from big to small's Profile

My husband and I love California. For years I've dreamed about moving to the Santa Barbara area. After looking closely at what our budget would be in comparison, I've learned to love CA as a vacation destination. We currently live in West Michigan with our 4 young kids. We have a 1/2 acre complete with a HUGE garden. Our home was a fraction of the cost of a home in California. In fact, we save so much money on our home and other living expenses, that its cheaper for us to live here and visit CA. I've grown so used to having a big yard and comfortable home that I would probably have a hard time getting used to a different way of life.
It also helps that Lake Michigan is incredibly beautiful and a quick drive on a hot summer day :)

When I saw the picture of the bed, I couldn't believe 2 people shared that. But then I remembered that my husband and I shared a bed that small for the first few years of marriage. It didn't seem so small then, but after a king size bed, that would feel like sleeping in a toddler bed :)

Whatever did people do before the dishwasher?!

I have to disagree with most of this article... An avid soapmaker, I've learned that good old soap and water is amazing at getting rid of bacteria. Not always killing them, but they bind to the soap and get washed down the drain. I'm pretty sure filling my sinks with wash/rinse water is similar to, if not less water usage than a dishwasher would be. AND, if someone is trying to be eco-conscious, they probably aren't using bleach. A few drops of high quality lemon essential oil (I use Young Living brand) will kill germs, smell fantastic and make your dishes sparkle and shine.

Before! I have learned many lessons from our last move and this is one of them. We had to move into our house right after closing, so painting before was out of the question. Now almost 2 years later we are slowly painting each room. Working around furniture, busy schedules and kids hasn't helped the process. Even if you decide to change a room after you move in, repainting one room is better than painting all of them.

Its funny, I too like the yellow better. I wonder if some of that has to do with the amount of light streaming through the window. My bedroom is the same color of yellow, which I thought I would love. I don't. It looks dull and drab once the sun is gone. I'm now looking for the perfect shade of white too :) So I guess what I'm trying to say is that pictures don't tell the whole story and the only one that matters is you :)

I love this! We just moved and will soon be doing the same thing. Our tiny, partially demoed kitchen will someday be expanded into what is now a bedroom. For now I need I a functional kitchen that doesn't look like its halfway between old and new. Thanks for the tips...we will keep them in mind :D

I love this! It's such a fantastic mix of vintage pieces. I just scored a twin to that yellow chair at the thrift store for less than $20. It was nice to show my husband the picture since he wasn't too excited when I brought it home...until he sat in it ;)