Month: February 2013

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Luxury patio furniture for this summer

Last year while putting away the things that I didn’t want outside during the winter, I decided to look at luxury patio furniture and find a set that I liked. I have even saved up some money to buy myself and my family comfortable chairs and perhaps benches to kick back on and also a big patio table with room enough for my whole brood and the grand kids, neighbors and friends. I even thought about maybe buying two sets, depending on if I could get a good deal and they weren’t really that expensive, yet they had class.

As everyone knows, I like to look on the internet to get ideas, prices and deals on things that I want to buy for my yard or home. I always consider items like this sort of home improvements. I found a place that sells luxury outdoor patio furniture, and has been in the business of furniture and accessories for about 35 years. They carry some really beautiful furniture and also besides being in business for so long, it is family owned and has that family type of atmosphere. This is something I like when I am looking for a place to shop.

I’m really looking forward to getting this furniture. I keep thinking about the kids having friends over and enough places to sit and eat, or just talk and hang out. Also I’m looking for some other patio furniture to go around the pool. If I can find something suitable for that space, I’d absolutely buy them. And of course because of the changeable weather here, I’d need the furniture and accessories to be sturdy and well built. The site I found seems like it is indeed going to fit all my wants and needs for this new home improvement. Looking for these kinds of items makes me want summer to get here even faster now!

 

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Winter storms and power outages

With the winds blowing fiercely and ice, snow and rain that continued to become layered in a very dangerous way for travelers. With temperatures in freezing mode, it seemed like a ghost town in the small village as blizzard conditions and treacherous ice took away any forms of communication and transportation.

Inside the small house, a fire in the hearth burned making a soothing crackling sound while keeping the lower rooms warm with also the help of the wood burning stove. The lighting of oil lamps and candles, produced a serene, cozy glow that looked enchanting, making one want to bask in it for the night…

NOT!!!!! Okay truth be known, after the power went out and I saw and heard branches breaking and power lines going down, I did light the fires and also the oil lamps and then placed candles in where I knew they’d put out the best light yet be safe from tipping. It actually did look nice and rosy in the house. But I was also in near panic mode since my sons were in town practicing music for their show and we live off of a very dangerous road in the conditions as we had last night and today, so last night I was fretting too much to give it more than a few minutes of liking said warmth and rosy glow. I can’t wait until summer and we don’t have to go though this stuff again for a time.

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Boys in the band

My two sons as I have mentioned before, have their own band. My oldest son A, started the band with his brother and two other guys, and A writes the music, plays lead (bass) and my youngest son plays the drums. He used to be on vocals, but the screaming kind of music they play wasn’t really great on his throat and I disliked it so much, that he stopped vocals and finally started playing his drums seriously.

The band has a show in a couple weeks and they are biting at the bit to finally once again go out in public and do more shows. They place they will be playing at, leaves a bit to be desired but it is a paying job and they are happy about that. Plus they are the headline band, so this is an added perk.

I’m debating about going. In truth, even though I am proud of them like no other mother, I don’t really care for the kind of music they play. It’s loud  is called Death Metal…which means in my book, lots of lyrics I can’t understand because of the screaming of said lyrics. The combo tavern/hangout of younger people, is a rather unsavory place. Still, it is money and advertisement for my guy’s band. This I take as a positive. From what I hear, it’s sold out show and the place will be totally packed. Chad, the father of the other two guys in the band, will go and video them on stage playing for me, as places like this is not my cup of tea.

 

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Home automation and awsome renovtions to a home

Through out most of my blog I’ve mentioned in blog posts that I would love to have a place for my sons to play their music, and have other innovations added to my house. I was doing the hit and miss play on words to find a sight that was what I was really looking for. One of the sites I happened to land on was, home theater scottsdale. Of course I clicked on this since how great would it be to have a big theater, since the guys like to have a get together and watch their music movies and such. All of this keeps running through my mind and of course the financial aspect comes to mind also. It is home improvement, a great asset and may even help with bringing the family closer together. At least in my way of thinking.

What I totally am into is the home automation scottsdale. Truth be known it totally blew me away to know what this company can do for a home and also for the residents…especially me! Unreal! Everything from control of the music in the whole house, the movies and video. To security, lighting and oh shoot, the list goes on. I actually have to say that I’ve visited a lot of sites on my own and some that friends have recommended to me, but this one did indeed strike my fancy. I don’t generally rave about businesses, but then now and again one comes across and just flat intrigues me.

I really would love to have all of these home improvement ideas in my house. Unfortunately Scottsdale is a very  long way from here. But ya’ll living down that way, check it out. Like I’ve said, I’ve been wanting this this kind of innovation in my home for a long time. I love the whole concept.

 

 

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Sunny skies but looks are deceiving

The sun is finally shining and all the snow and ice has melted, but it indeed is chilly outside. Much more cold than it actually looks, but one can dream that flip flop weather will soon be here. (Phil didn’t see his shadow, right?)

With the high winds we’ve had over the last few weeks, there is going to be a lot of clean up in the yards to do. My neighbor’s tree is nearly dead and the branches keep falling and then are literally blown into my side gardens. The neighbor just moved in last fall, and I rarely see her, but she should learn neighborly consideration. Of course she is indeed young, but that doesn’t mean she can’t pick up a few branches.

My yards are going to need the usual clean up, but with new gardens that will be dug and put in, I’m sure I’m going to be busy playing more in the dirt and  have the guys here do the clean up work for me. They’ll earn money doing it, and every year they do a really great job, so that is covered. Just seeing this sun shine makes me antsy to get out and plant things, but in the mean time I’ll stick to starting my seeds

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Garage sales in Feburary

I think everyone around here is starting to get a case of severe cabin fever. I went into the city and on the bulletin board at my local market, there were a slew of signs advertising garage and porch sales posted for this coming weekend. I have to admit that I’m totally temped to go, but I don’t need to bring anymore treasures and stuff that strike my fancy into this house, without getting rid of some of what I already have.

I hate to part with things that I someday may want or use. Yes, I am a neat hoarder. My house isn’t cluttered, no is my attic but I’m sure it would be if I was a hoarder of a high scale. After watching the hording shows on television though…I know I won’t ever let my home become uncomfortable and inhabitable.

Garage sales however, are a guilty pleasure of mine. Some ladies I know are exceptional garage sale arrangers. It totally amazes me how these woman can hold a yard or garage sale and make it look and seem so simple. Me? I’d rather just gather my stuff together and donate it or give it away to folks that want it. Still…if the weather is semi reasonable, I still may hit a few of these sales, just to look. 😀

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Checking out architects in Phoenix

Libby, a dear friend of mine is checking out architects in Phoenix and has been telling me about the plans she has for remodeling and adding on to her home. She really likes the contemporary style and I have to admit, from what I have seen about some of the ideas she wants to put into action her home is going to be beautiful when the building and landscaping is completed. She has waited a very long time for this change and needed help with her plans, so she has been really putting a great deal of time into finding the right builders to make her visions and dreams come into an actual reality.

Phoenix architecture firms know the area, the land and also the best way to construct a building for the needs of the clients along with knowing what they are looking to build and how they want it built also if it is able to be done in the type of environment the land is surrounded by. This makes for maximum durability and function. Also from what I have seen, they can indeed turn a dream into a living space that is perfect for their clients. This is a major plus, considering Libby is very set in what she would like.

After I browsed through a site I had been told me about, I was totally amazed at the work and beauty of some of the homes that were designed and the craftsmanship of the smallest detail. Everything is considered when using these Phoenix architects and it shows in the photographs. I just wish I could see the work in progress once it starts. Of course I’ll visit and see the finished home inside and out as this is my friends dream house and everything is going to be unique and exactly what she wants, combined with the expertise of the architects.

 

 

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Seed catalogs are arriving

It seems the seed companies are getting a jump on spring planting, since I now am getting their catalogs in the mail nearly every day. I had forgotten how many I order from, in search of new and interesting seeds to grow.

It seems strange to wade out in knee deep snow to the post box and find the spring seed catalogs waiting for me. Some with seed packets in them, which in these temperatures which are way below freezing I seriously doubt will grow but I’ll plant them and hope.

I have been planning my gardens since last fall so of course I enjoy getting the catalogs, but it just makes me antsy to start planting and growing now. Wonder if that ground hog is going to see his shadow or not…