ssford99's Profile

A good neutral color I have found is "Rice Grain" by Sherwin Williams. It's not too light or too dark but gives a nice contrast to the white woodwork It too has a way of changing colors depending on the time of day. A very little green hue in the background might tie together the blue/olive combo. It also looks striking with red as well.

A great way to pick paint is look at the colors that have the whole spectrum on the chip - that way you can see what the "root" color is. If the darkest color on the chip has a color you don't like, the light color won't either!

Happy painting!

The best way to keep the gift bingo easy is to keep the cards blank and let the guests fill in their own squares. That keeps the conversation going as they all guess what the gifts will be!

We started cutting back when my hubby lost his job last April. The shopping is cut to almost none - limited to replacing the completely worn out, necessity items or gifts (home-made or sale) and the groceries are always sale items. But we still go out to eat - it is actually cheaper for the two us to go out (minus alcohol) than go to the store to make the same stuff. Now that my family business is gone (after 56 yrs), let the cuts continue. He has contract work, but who knows how long that will last. Next goes the cable, the speedy internet, home phone - cells will do just fine... Sucks to be a mid-westerner these days. Unfortunately it's not fatalist thinking, but reality. The rest of the country is just getting a taste of what it has been like around here for years. I will take all the positive thoughts I can get!

Not much choice in Michigan near the water - SCREENS IN! You can hardly leave a light on outside at night without it being covered by creepy crawly mound by morning! Yikes!

No sheepish here! I appreciate the bright colors and fun patterns the kids-stuff often offers. Nothing brightens a boring space (especially an office) better than something cheery in color!

Lots of great suggestion here! I have to agree with the motion sensor lights - great idea to be able to see what's going on out there - but beware if you set them too sensitive, the wind or leaves blowing can set them off - causing undo grief!

Also some strategically placed thorny plants (barberry, roses, etc) around your windows is a great idea. The best part is they look great and can be pretty cheap if you start small. Actually it's better if they start out small - then you can keep them in check so they don't create hiding space...

One other suggestion is I had a little security box in college that had a pin. If the pin was pulled out (it was on a leash you could wrap around your hand and the box attaches to your purse, bag etc) it would let out a deafening scream that can be heard for a VERY long way. (I took some night classes and had to walk back the dorms...) Might be useful since you are in an area where there are other people around.

Good luck and congrats on the new place!

:)

I usually take my shoes off at the door, but in a northern, snowy climate, there isn't much choice! But that is the reason we installed hardwood throughout the entire house when we built - rugs and wood can be washed rather easily - unlike carpet.

I also didn't want to be the crazy floor lady (no red wine for you!) so what ever makes my guests happy! I have to clean up after a good party anyway!

I only like that the flowers aid in being able to keep them where they are intended for and not wandering to the garage or DH's tool box. I have a set (a house warming gift) and they have managed to stay in the kitchen drawer for 3 years now! But I guess and annoying pattern (stripes) would accomplish the same thing... :)

Me too please!

The regular pottery barn also has the smart technology furniture (for the not-so-teen-look). Just type 'smart' into the search function to see what they have...