Hardwood Makes Me Giggle

As it seems to go with the house, I can always rationalize additional projects with the excuse that we are already doing so much, what is one more little thing added on? So when mom suggested refinishing the hardwood floors that run through my living room, dining room, hallway, and guest bedroom, it was just another 'sure, why not?' moment.

Very few of us will ever get to choose the type of hardwood floors we have... only if you invest in a new construction option. I originally thought the type of wood used determined the look of your floors, and while it definitely plays a role, it is not the defining factor.

The most popular hardwood choices are oak, maple, Brazilian cherry, white ash, bamboo, and Douglas fir. Of these, Brazilian cherry and oak are the most resilient to wear and tear. Fortunately, my floors are red oak. Originally, the color was a blonde... which I assumed I had to live with. Wrong.

By sanding the floors and stripping it of its color, you can introduce a new stain that will give your home new classic character and life. I do not recommend sanding on your own. It requires one of those big sanding machines that look like a vacuum cleaner and it is just too easy to do permanent damage to your floors. I thought I wanted to play that game... I was wrong.

Instead, I chose a beautiful dark walnut stain that provides a uniform look while at the same time allowing you to observe the natural grain and inherent classical feel of genuine hardwood floors. Laminates may try (and they will try in my basement, haha) but it just is not the same.

So don't feel limited by the floors you have now... the color can be easily changed and completely refresh your home. Go for some sleek modernity with blonde bamboo or classic chic with imitation cherry... the choice is your's and the floor's the limit.

Seven Minutes in Heaven

I spent another Sunday painting the upstairs of my house! It was fun, despite being a tad bit exhausted and suffering from the grossest-looking foot injury of all time (some nice guy was so kind as to stomp on my foot at a concert on Saturday night). The color is up in the master bedroom and it looks absolutely fabulous.

I knew from the first that I wanted a lavender/gray color in my bedroom, but I came to a dilemma when choosing a paint color for the closets.

Never ever paint your closets the same color as your room. Closets are a pain to paint once you have moved in--you have to empty them and work around built in shelving, etc. And chances are you will change your wall color sooner than you will want to change your closet color... no one wants a calm blue bedroom paired with a brick red closet.

Now, most people would go with a traditional white. However, I strongly recommend something with a bit more of the proverbial uumph to it--still a light neutral, but something that will offset your clothes so that they look good. Don't forget to keep it light though! There is nothing like searching through a dark closet to find what you are looking for. I went with Behr's Navajo White, a soft beige that will definitely provide a flattering background for my eighteen thousand empire waist dresses.

I also strongly recommend making friends with somebody tiny, like May May here. This is her painting my tiny (like 1x1') linen closet in my bathroom. She was the only one who could fit!

Walkin' on the Ceiling

Indecisiveness is becoming a regular part of my day. Before, my contractor was in charge of the major decisions. I know nothing about how to actually frame an addition; he was calling the shots as far as construction and I was A-OK with that. Now, we are starting the finishing touches. The stuff I actually know something about. I have an opinion when it comes to handrails and carpet and colors of stain.

I am doing all my own painting (with the help of the most awesome friends in the entire world). This includes painting the ceilings on my second floor where there is new construction. And I am completely torn. This is partly a cry for help... I need a great ceiling color!

The first option is a traditional white. And there is nothing wrong with traditional. It is a classic for a reason. But do I really want to play that game? Or do something a little more fun?

If I had my faux beams that I so desperately want, I would do darker tones of the rooms on the ceilings. With the beams, it would give the room a lofty look. However, without something to break it up, the darker color will become too claustrophobic.

That leaves us with a lighter shade, either in the same family as the wall color or in a complimentary shade. My bedroom is a lilac/gray heather so I thought I might try a creamy yellow ceiling, slightly muted. However, after purchasing Navajo White from Ian at the Home Depot, I realized it was entirely too close to my ecru carpet. CRISIS!

So now that my walk-in closet has a beautiful coat of Navajo White, I am back to the ceiling drawing board. My mom suggested painting it white, since I could always change it. Yeah right mom, I am not painting my ceiling over with a new color after my carpet and furniture is in there. So I am thinking gray, but I need feedback! Where is my color theory professor when I need him?

An Ode to Ian

OK so the picture is not actually of the guy at my Home Depot, but Steve over here looks pretty rockin' with his 'stache. No, my new best friend is Ian, the guy who works behind the paint counter at my local Home Depot. Little did he know when I wandered into his corner of the store that rainy day, we would soon be best friends.

Yeah, well that is a little creepy, but I did just want to stress how great the guys and gals at the HD are. I wandered in, having done my research, with a list... and was promptly overwhelmed. Yes I need a sanding block, but what the hell is that? And how do I attach the sandpaper?

Needless to say, Ian was there for me.

"Ian, do I need a fancy extender or is the $3 one OK?"

"Ian, this paint can is dented... is that bad?"

"Ian, I can't decide... eggshell or flat finish?!?!?"

He answered all my questions patiently, and did the same when I came back the next day. He also explained the complicated rebate system so I could get $5 off every gallon of paint I bought. We also bonded over my Georgia shirt... though I don't think he thought it was as magical a connection as I did.

OK so if this kid ever Googles himself he is probably going to be creeped out, because obviously I am over-exaggerating the bond we shared. But I was extremely pleased with how helpful he was--and willing to deal with my neurosis. Few men have ever measured up to that particular task.

So today, I salute you, Home Depot guy Ian. Without you, I might have gone for the 5-gallon tub of primer and died after it rolled on top of me in the parking lot. I owe ya one, buddy.

Free and Easy

This isn't like a big industry secret or anything, and it is a shameful plug by Lowe's to get you to use their products... but hey, quit your bitchin', 'cause it's free.

Lowe's free publication, Creative Ideas, actually isn't that bad. I got my first issue in the mail today (that's right--it's not something you have to pick up in store, they send it to you!) and I was pleasantly surprised. It is not huge, but it did contain several smart ideas for your home. Best of all, it gives you an idea of the skill level needed to complete a project... which is a great thing to think about before you jump into bricking an entire wall in one of your bedrooms. It also estimates the total cost, which is never a bad thing to know. I can't tell you how many times I have gone out to buy materials for a "cheap" project and come home with a receipt for three times what I estimated.

I got some great color inspiration in the most recent issue, as well as an awesome plan for a glass tile mirror. I am sure if I attempt it, I will blog about it, don't worry. So click here and subscribe. It is free and easy... just like me.

Kidding...

Friends Forever

You know what is cheaper than a contractor or a professional painter? A case of beer, three large pizzas, and seven of your closest friends.

A HUGE shout out to Meaghan, Lilly, John, Steve, Austin, Liz, and Robby for coming over yesterday and helping me prime my walls. I would have been lost without your enthusiasm, ax-wielding skills, and height.

And yes, there is nothing more terrifying than John and Steve taking an axe to junk in my basement. Not real.

In My Prime

Tomorrow, I begin my hands-on renovations project. Until this point, everything I have done has required a contractor. I'm sorry, but let's just be honest: I could not have possibly built an addition to my second floor myself. It would have fallen down. I am good, but I am not that good.

The upstairs of my home consists of two bedrooms and a new bathroom. I intend to use these rooms as my bedroom and an office area (for all my hard work... yeah right). We added about 150 square feet to these rooms, which we used to create the bathroom and two walk-in closets. The latter is especially exciting because large closets are basically unheard of in my neighborhood of post-war homes.

So now that the upstairs construction is finished, it is time to paint. We are not painting the downstairs yet as there is no real new flooring going down there. So in the course of 30ish hours (hopefully), I will be covering my upstairs walls so that my carpet, tile, and new bathroom vanity can go in sometime next week. So exciting!

Now with new construction (and old construction for that matter), the most important step of the painting process is to prepare your surface perfectly. This means three things: sanding, cleaning, and PRIMING.

Sanding is vital to a successful paint job. Using a sanding block and 120-150 grit sandpaper, you need to go over your new drywall and make sure there are no imperfections left from the putty or caulking. Unfortunately, the sanding makes the next step necessary: cleaning. Using a damp cloth, you have to wipe down your walls. Sanding dust, if left on the wall before you paint, will cause your paint to adhere poorly and no one wants that.

Last but not least, you must prime your walls. Using a drywall-sealer such as Behr's Primer/Sealer for new drywall. A product like this will not only provide a smooth, clean surface for your top coat, but adds a barrier against stains that may affect your walls.

So if you are around Louisville in the next few days, come on over to my house... because I will be there, covered in paint and happiness. And if you are thinking about it, pressure me to finalize my colors because the decision is driving me crazy!

The Rain in Spain

In the process of adding onto my house, the builders had to take off my gutter downspouts. The addition or renovation of a home is the perfect time to consider alternatives to traditional (read: boring) aluminum downspouts.

Rain chains have been used in Japan for over 100 years and are slowly but surely becoming popular in America, especially with the go green set. These decorative copper accents are not only a more aesthetically attractive option, they can provide more utilitarian benefits than aluminum downspouts.

By guiding the water from your gutters into a rain collection bin or decorative container, the rain chain acts as a path for the water. It also serves as a decorative water feature, providing soft water-esque noises during a rain storm. Why pay for a sound machine at Brookstone when you can have your very own fountain outside your window? The chains look like a fountain, especially if you choose a beautiful copper basin to collect the water as it comes down.

Unfortunately, rain chains are not sufficient to use as your primary downspouts all around your home. It is recommended that they only be responsible for 30 feet of gutter. However, give it a try for at least one section of your home and be the cool kid in the neighborhood. They come in all sort of different shapes and styles, but traditionally come in a standard length of 8 1/2 feet. Don't forget to also get a basin of some sort... all that water has to go somewhere!

Spinnin' the Vinyl

With the addition going on the back of my house, I recently had to choose a type of siding for my exterior. While brick, wood, and/or stucco options are usually preferable, they are also the most expensive. Additionally, the material most commonly known by its brand name, HardiPlank, is also more costly than other options (though it does have a longer lifespan and increased durability).

When choosing an option for siding, the most important factors include neighboring homes, climate, durability, cost, and maintenance.

My first consideration was neighboring houses. In all honesty, the other homes in my neighborhood primarily have used aluminum or vinyl siding. While HardiPlank (also known as fiber cement siding) might be preferable in the long run, you also don't want to price your home out of the neighborhood. The increased cost may be worth it to you, but will it be worth it to the next homeowner? In my situation, probably not. My neighborhood has turned, for the most part, into starter home for singles and couples before they actually start their families. Odds are, the person who buys my house after me will be looking at the price for the bottom line, not the lifespan of the exterior materials, because they will not actually be living in the home long enough to have to replace anything.

So with that in mind, I narrowed my choices to aluminum and vinyl. Both give the appearance of wood plank siding without the care required to protect wood from home invaders, such as those pesky little guys called termites. The climate in Louisville is mild enough to not have to worry about hurricane-force winds, which have a tendency to rip off siding. Ever noticed how many homes in Florida have a stucco finish? Not a coincidence.

The major difference between aluminum and vinyl siding is the durability. Aluminum is susceptible to dents and scrapes (imagine a Coke can). Vinyl tends to fade after about 10 years. Aluminum siding is difficult to paint, though not impossible, which can become a problem if you choose a bright pink house. Vinyl options usually have a wood grain imprint, which can add a nice feel to the home. Unfortunately, some studies suggest the production of vinyl has been harmful to the environment in the past. Be sure to check into the manufacturer of the material to make sure you can choose vinyl with a clear conscience.

I think you can probably tell what material I went with (like the title didn't totally blow my cover). I looked into the environmental concerns (because I love the polar bears) and determined that I could feel good about using the material. Additionally, the idea of not having to worry as much about the look, maintenance, and durability pretty much sold me.

While vinyl is not definitively the best choice for everyone, it is the best choice for me. Explore your options and see what happens. Until then, I will enjoy my wheat vinyl siding with a happy heart!

Therma wha? Therma who?

So after meeting with my kitchen planner on Wednesday, I came away with mixed emotions... on the one hand, it was so much fun to pick out everything and see my kitchen actually laid out and on paper. I had drafted a floor plan, but to see elevations and perspective drawings of my house... that was awesome. But at the same time, the price was terrifying. My original quote was thrown out the window because I decided to add additional cabinets. I started dreaming big, which is never a good combination with a tiny budget. However, it was a necessary change, seeing as even a novice chef such as myself cannot work with virtually no counter space and three cabinets.

Now in an ideal world, I would have solid mahogany cabinets with premium granite counter tops and drawers pulls of solid gold. However, I am working on a budget and determined to keep it down. Because I am planning on staying in this home for 5-7 years, I want to use materials that will last and still look nice when I put the house back on the market. But I also need to consider the buyer--people looking in my neighborhood will most likely be single or young couples who are also staying on a budget. While extras like a super-nice kitchen would be cool, it is not something they are willing to pay an extra $10,000 for.

In comes Thermafoil. This synthetic material has a smooth coat and is significantly cheaper than solid wood cabinets... and is easier to maintain. They are more difficult to paint however, so be sure to choose a neutral color. While I personally prefer darker finishes on cabinets, I had to take into account that I am keeping the majority of my appliances and they are white... so I went with white. I like white, and it works with everything from my Tuscan-inspired design plan to some other person's country bumpkin Walmart border.

So while cheaper alternatives such as Thermafoil or (gasp!) laminate floors or counter tops may seem like a disappointment, take them into consideration before completely blowing them off. While they may not be as durable as the quality stuff, they will still look nice and most likely last long enough for you and the next few owners of your home to enjoy them!

Raise the Roof!

Yesterday, my contractor Mike called to let me know that they had decided to go on and tear the roof off the back of my house. I mean, why not? This has always been part of the remodeling plan, we just hadn't planned on completing this step before Thanksgiving. Whatever, I say bring it on!

Unfortunately, this has put some more pressure on me to choose my shingle type. You would think it would be simple; however, I have found with roofing, nothing is ever simple. While the material is pretty much predetermined, style and type are very important.

Having a roof over your head is like, one of a humankind's basic needs. I seem to remember learning something about a pyramid of needs in high school psychology class, and I feel like shelter was pretty clutch. When it comes to the material you use to cover your abode, things have progressed from twigs and mud. Nowadays, you have two main options when it comes to shingles (other roofing options are a whole different story): ceramic tile and fiberglass-based asphalt shingles. Basically, if you have gobs of money you with the former--ceramic tile is beautiful, but they break very easily and require replacement. Asphalt shingles are more resilient and therefore, more practical.

The next thing to consider is dimensional versus three-tab shingles. The basic difference between the two is price and longevity. Dimensional shingles will run you about $600 more (on a smaller single family home), but they will last about five years longer and are more durable because they are much thicker. Dimensional shingles are a must if you live anywhere prone to high winds (you know, Kansas during tornado season or Florida during hurricane season). They also just look better. I think the choice is obvious, but you need to make the decision for your home based on location and budget.

Now, obviously, the most important thing to consider are the aesthetics of your roof... primarily, the color of the shingles you choose. There are all sorts of options, from variations of the traditional blacks and grays, to more "unique" choices like light blue or white. Surprisingly (ha), I am more of a traditional kinda gal. My current roof on the new house is a kind of reddish brown... which would be fine... if BRICK weren't also reddish brown. I would immediately go for black, but you have to take into consideration the heat it will contain... that might be awesome in the winter, but will I be very happy about it the summer?

Decisions, decisions. The important thing to remember is that a roof is a 20-30 year investment; stick to quality neutrals, both for your sanity and resale value.

Hey good lookin'... whatcha got cookin'?

When I set out remodel my house, I originally only planned on adding a bathroom upstairs. That led to expanding the two bedrooms up there. Which led to adding walk in closets in both rooms. The, since I was already getting a contractor, I figured, why not have them knock out the wall by the stairs? And while we are knocking out walls, I guess we could get rid of this door here... and add on to the porch... and enlarge this window... and get rid of the side door and window... and extend the kitchen into the family room... you get the idea.

So from that laundry list of things we are fixing, the biggest surprise was the kitchen. I am not a super cook who needs warming drawers and granite countertops, but this kitchen was a tiny bit ridiculous. There was a total 24" of counter space. Two feet. The dishwasher was one of those European deals that is super skinny and only meant for people who shop at the original Ikea or live in New York City. There were three cabinets. Soooo I may have gotten a little carried away, but now we're redoing the kitchen!

I met with Laura, my kitchen planner, for the first time this past week. Kitchen planners are great because unfortunately, things like cabinets and appliances aren't really standard or anything. Every kitchen is different and comes with a unique set of needs. So here are some things to keep in mind when setting up your kitchen (even if you are not remodeling, keep these in mind when putting things in drawers, etc.):

- Keep in mind your three primary work spaces: refrigeration storage, cook top, and sink. Technically, these three spaces should be no more than 9' from each other (not a problem in my kitchen, haha). They should also be no closer than 4' in order to leave room for prep spaces. There should be no obstacles (such as an island or trash can) in the middle of the triangle.

- There should be at least three feet of counter space next to the sink for food preparation.

- Your dishwasher and trash receptacle should both be within two feet of the edge of your sink.

- Keep in mind landing areas. Each of your primary work spaces should have 'landing areas' nearby... basically, that is just a fancy word for counter space to drop food as you retrieve it from the refrigerator or before you throw it in a pot on the stove.

- Keep the clutter to a minimum. Your mixer, blender, food processor, coffee maker, etc. can all be stored in a cabinet when not in use. OK, maybe not the coffee maker. But things that you don't use all the time, store away. It will make you feel like a neater person and all your guests will be so impressed! And by "guests," I mean your mom.

- Don't forget to consider your primary uses for the kitchen when defining the space. Expert baker? Spring for the marble countertops. But if that is not something you consider a huge deal, save your pennies. I am not a great cook, though I love to dabble. I am also keeping in mind resale, so my kitchen won't be crazy specific as far as extras.

- Height matters. When I lived in South Carolina, I had this great loft apartment with 18' ceilings. Awesome, right? Yeah except the cabinets were proportional to the space, meaning I could only reach the first two shelves. Anything higher and I either had to hop up on the countertop or get my hand dandy reach extender. Not OK. Now I won't be designing my kitchen specifically for someone who is 5'3", but it will also not be for a giant.

Above all, when considering your kitchen set up, think logically. Cups and glasses should be close to the refrigerator. Utensils should be below dishes. Cooking utensils should be near the stove. Use your head, and enjoy an easy cooking experience. Now, learning to cook is a whole other story... I'll be working on that for awhile. Until then, I can subsist on spaghetti and scrambled eggs.

Tearing Down to Build Up

I think I scared a few of my friends the other day when I sent them messages saying, "There's a hole in my floor!" What I didn't clarify is that there was supposed to be a hole in my floor... it was all part of the demolition (but thanks to the friends who offered condolences and/or places to stay).

Demolition is the important first step in any construction process. Not only are you getting rid of all the stuff you don't need (like a roof), you are also getting an intimate look into the internal structure of your home.

If you aren't using a contractor, make sure to check out what sort of permits you need to do your renovations. Most contractors will take care of this for you, but be sure you spell it out before you begin the project. If you are getting your own permits, check not only with the neighborhood "city" in which your property is located, but also the metro area, or your actual city.

Demolition involves dumpsters... it is just one of those unfortunate facts of life. And as useful as dumpsters are, they are not exactly the prettiest things in the world. So if your home is within sight of your neighbors, which it most likely is, make sure they know what is going on and that you are aware of the inconvenience to them. I made cookies to take to my neighbors and introduce myself since they don't really know me. Unfortunately, after my strenuous labor breaking and baking, neither of them were home and my sister ate all the cookies. Whatever, next time I was around, I introduced myself and took my card to them. Let them know you are sympathetic and that they can call anytime if there is a problem. Not only will they feel better that you are not the new loud neighbor, you now also have someone who is keeping an eye on things when you are not there. Win win.

While your walls are open, check on the insulation situation. My house was built in 1948, and apparently energy efficiency wasn't a top priority in post-war Louisville. However, while the walls are open, I can choose to add insulation and get a tax credit: 30% of the cost up to $1500. Still not sure if I can afford to do it right now, but it will also save me when it comes to heat bills next winter. Good to know.

Just a few things to ponder while you are tearing down walls! So grab a sledgehammer and go!

Check It

Tomorrow, I have my final meeting with my chosen contractor before construction finally starts! So excited, but thought I would write a little something about how I came to my decision.

There were really three men in the running for my little job. One was a friend of the family who was just priced impossibly high and another was the misogynistic jerk who actually had the lowest bid. The one I chose was in the middle as far as price, but most importantly... I liked him! I mean seriously, that factor tends to be far from emphasized in this whole process.

Mike is a cool older guy who had done several projects around the area. I literally just saw a house he did that looked nice and went up gangbusters and got his number from a sign in the front yard. Is this a great method? Not really, but it worked.

Now, because I don't know anyone personally who recommended him, I asked for references, proof of insurance, whether or not he is registered with the Better Business Bureau, and licenses. This is just smart... you need to make sure you don't just have some total rando nailing things together and thinking that they look good. Not OK. All of these qualifications and references are necessary to make sure you are making the right choice when it comes to choosing a contractor.

I am very pleased with Mike and my best advice is just to be smart. Think before you leap in with someone and make sure you lay out all the specifications and ideas you have before you sign anything. Honesty is the best policy and hopefully your contractor will be straight with you.

Now if only all of life's other relationships were this straightforward...

PS: if you google image 'dubious,' this image is what you get. I thought it was great.

Planting Perennials

I am a gardener in no way, shape, or form. I managed to keep a peace lily alive for a year without ever realizing that it was supposed to have blooms. I thought it was just a lovely green plant. Then my mom started to water it, and it started getting these weird-looking bulbs at the end of the stalks, which I assumed were some mutant green plant virus, so I clipped them off. Then I went out of town, leaving the mutant things alone and my mom in charge... and came home to find a peace lily with beautiful blooms. I was convinced my mom had switched the plant. I was wrong. Anyway, that is just proof that I am anything but a green thumb.

However, in the name of home-ownership, I have decided to try my best to have at least a nice little border of something in my front yard. There is already a hydrangea bush that I am trying my hardest to keep from dying, and some little green things. And now is the time to plant myself some perennials.

Perennials, for the gardening illiterate, are flowers that you plant once and then they keep coming back year after year. Sweet! And dirt cheap... no pun intended? I went to a local store and picked up 50 jonquil bulbs (also known as daffodils) for $14.95 plus tax. Even if you only have a small patch of garden, think of how awesome it will be when, come spring time, up pop these bright and happy flowers? Tulips are also perennials; I am just partial to jonquils because they are my birth month flower! And yellow is my favorite color.

So today, I set out to plant (with the help of my green-thumbed mom) about 25 daffodil bulbs in my front yard. By digging down about 8 inches and planting bulbs 5 inches across, my blooms should have plenty of room to do their thing. We also added a little fertilizer in the hole to help things along. If Martha Stewart were there, she would have added some compost, but we can't all be perfect.

I'll update you in March as to how this whole experiment went... but for now I feel pretty confident about my adventures in gardening!

"It's like entering Wonka's chocolate factory..."

This morning, my Interior Architecture class went on a field trip. While this trip did not involve sitting on a big yellow school bus or packing a lunch in a brown paper bag, it was nonetheless one of my favorite school activities ever.

We went to Architectural Salvage, Louisville's premier place where architectural elements go to die. It is AMAZING. The ramshackle complex is sprawling and vast. Turn right at the claw-foot tubs, hang a left at the vintage doorknobs, and go straight through the banisters to get to the stained glass windows. Done and done.

The concept: when older buildings are being torn down or remodeled, they take random things like doors, fireplace mantels, light fixtures, and banisters to this store where they are priced and put up for resale. Not everything is affordable, but how much cooler is it to get a vintage glass door knob for $15.00 rather than a brand faux brushed nickel one for a little less?

Luckily for you, places like this are not found only in Louisville. Google architectural salvage yards in your area and find lots of fun random things. Go get lost. Get inspired. Start coveting a range from the 1940s or a carved mahogany mantelpiece. I certainly got more than a few ideas for my place... oh, and for my Interior Architecture final project too, of course.

Pest Control

The temperatures are dropping steadily. We're putting away the outdoor grills and tucking away our swimsuits for next year. I wore a sweater today and loved it.

The point is, it is getting cold, and it is getting to be autumn. As discussed, I love autumn. I think most people do. It is, hands down, the most amazing season.

You know who else likes autumn? PESTS.

Mice. Termites. Crickets. Spiders. Rats. Roaches. Millipedes. Ants. Bugs. Vermin (or vermit as my dad calls them). Whatever they may be, these little guys know it is getting cold. They feel it in their little spider legs and their tiny mouse tails. The millipedes feel it in each of their thousand feet. And they have one thought on their tiny little bug brains... get warm.

Where do they go to get warm? Your house. It doesn't matter how clean you are, they are coming. And that creeps me out.

October is the time to call Mr. Bug Killer Man and bring him on out. I know all you PETA people are probably hating me, but I don't care. I want my house sprayed for anything and everything.

In the interest of unfailing blog honesty, I have a confession. Last week, I found a mouse outside my house. I may have accidentally run over it with my car. I really didn't mean to, I didn't even know it was there. After squealing and screaming and calling my mom in a panic, calmed down enough to dispose of him (my hose works!) and realize that this is not the end of the world. Additionally, it is not that uncommon for older homes to have issues like this.

So call around your city. Most exterminators offer a seasonal package where they will come spray your house once every ninety days and guarantee you won't see any more bugs (I like that idea). The initial fee is around $150 depending on the package, with a follow up of around $50 every three months. That quote is a little higher because it includes getting rid of yucky "rodents," such as our dearly departed friend Mr. Mouse. It can't hurt to call... most places will give you a free estimate depending on the size and structural elements of your home.

Forget the childhood conditioning of An American Tail, Mickey, and The Secret of Nimh. Pests are no good and as a responsible homeowner, you need to take care of them. Bug off.

Battle of the Sexes

I am a child of the millennium, according to the women at my office at least. I prefer to communicate through electronic means, such as emails, tweets, and (duh) blogs. I am attached to my Blackberry and my MacBook Pro is my child.

Part of growing up in this generation is believing that women and men are equal. However, I am also a Southern girl, which means I expect a man to hold the door open for me as he ushers me through the glass ceiling.

But I digress. The point is, I am naive and expected to be treated as an equal by contractors... after all, I am a strong, capable, single woman who has purchased her own home and is going to be paying someone to do some construction for me. However, I was mistaken. Despite being the one making the calls, scheduling appointments, sharing ideas, and writing checks, I have been treated like a silly little girl by several potential contractors. While I understand that I may not be the most knowledgeable individual when it comes to construction, I am not an idiot. I am coming to these men with well-drafted plans and an open pocketbook, and they are treating me like a simpleton.

Now, I need to be careful not to generalize. Two of the four contractors I have met with have been very respectful and will be more likely to get the job because of that fact. However, one I met with yesterday blew me away with his condescending, misogynistic attitude. All was going OK until we started discussing his bid for the job. He actually asked me if he should call my dad or my husband about the numbers. I wish I were kidding.

I informed him that this was my home and that everything regarding construction would go through me. Whatever. Good riddance to bad rubbish. Really, I am not trying to make a generalization about contractors, but let this serve as a warning to young female home-buyers: you have to be assertive. This is your home, you are in charge, and you call the shots. Be strong. Be proud. Be a homeowner.

Goin' Green

So maybe this makes me spoiled and ridiculous, but I have never mowed a lawn before. My parents always had a service to do it and ever since I have been on my own, I have rented apartments. Apparently, part of owning a home is lawn care. Thus, today, I embarked on my first outdoor adventure. And despite a few mishaps, I think I did pretty well!

Now, I am not going to sit here and pretend to be super environmentally-conscious. I drive an

SUV and I leave lights on when I don't mean to. I apologize. But I do try to make an effort as far as my carbon footprint or whatever that mumbo jumbo is about. Also, I am cheap. Therefore, when it came time to purchase my very own lawn mower, I chose one powered with nothing but my blood, sweat, and tears. That's right... an old school push reel lawn mower. It also helped that it was on sale for $70 as opposed to the hundreds of dollars for the gas or electric fancy schmancy ones.

First, I had to assemble this bad boy. Little known fact: I freaking love putting stuff together. Some assembly required are like the magic words. Done and done. Get me some sort of wrench thing and I am good to go.

That's right, I am awesome. I was terrified to take the cardboard off the blades until I absolutely had to. I am a baby. Also, that thing on the back meant to catch clippings? No thanks; it ended up just jamming the thing all the time. See ya. Also, apparently, some grass clipping left on the freshly mown grass are good. I'll take it. And now remember kids, always wear proper footwear... no flip flops. And while I opted for my top-siders, there are probably better options. Anyway, point is: be safe. I lost a finger in third grade (they reattached it, no worries), but ever since then, I have grown rather attached to my appendages. Just sayin'.

OH MY GOD LOOK AT ME GO! In all honesty, I was kind of surprised that it worked. But it did! My arms are a little sore, but over all, it was not nearly as difficult as I thought it would be. So if you have a lawn, especially a smaller one, consider going green with a push reel mower. Not only is it awesome vintage-looking, it is a great work out. Oh, and good for the environment.

Autumn Cleaning

Spring cleaning is sooo two seasons ago. This September and October, autumn cleaning is all the rage. I am not saying you should completely give up your spring cleaning, but everyone needs a good purge of stuff this time of year.

This afternoon, my mom and I spent a few hours cleaning out the garage at my new house. (Side note: my mom is crazy and claims she actually likes that kind of stuff; I told her to come on over whenever.) Not only was the weather perfect for such a task, it actually didn't take as long as one might think. I am not such a fan of getting dirty, or bugs, or dust, or sweat... but it actually wasn't that bad!

The previous owners left a few things that honestly had probably been there even before they moved in. Most of it was trash, but we did find some really cool salvageable things. For example, an old brass day bed that is missing pieces... oh no problem, I'll turn you into a border for my herb garden (don't laugh, I am totally considering growing one... I get ambitious). We also found about 300 feet of usable garden hose, which is pretty awesome since I am close to sure that it is longer than my lot. Also go several planters and some cool metal tea light holders. I love finding stuff!

It really is a good time to throw stuff out. A lot of trash pick-ups will have a special "junk" day around this time of the year where they will pick up big items like furniture. Also, for areas like a garage, you are going to want to start parking your car under cover more often once the weather gets gross. And as disgusting as it is to think about, now is the time to consider pest control... before the little critters get cold and look for some comfy lodgings in your home.

The bottom line is that autumn is the time to prepare to hunker down in your home... by making it as clean and tidy as you can. So take advantage of the sunny yet cool days and get to work! And let me know if you'd like some help from my mom...