jeanne mckay watercolors and a giveaway
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jeanne mckay watercolors and a giveaway

Since the beginning of my blogging days, I’ve been fortunate to meet and make friends with some very talented and generous people. I was lucky to start blogging at a time when readers could sign up to follow their preferred blogs and before the days of the big newsletter blasts. There was more of an intimacy to the process, and the blogs were read differently, as our audience popped around to visit each of their favorite blogs each day. This is one of the big things about blogging, the way that it draws people together.

Jeanne McKay

Between women bloggers there has

Meet HGTV’s Newest Star, Galey Alix of ‘Home in a Heartbeat’
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Meet HGTV’s Newest Star, Galey Alix of ‘Home in a Heartbeat’

HGTV has a new show and design superstar in the making: Galey Alixhost of “Home in a Heartbeat With Galey Alix.”

The schtick? Alix is ​​a Wall Street executive who, due to her day job, completes her renovations in one weekend. She also allows her clients to decide the budget they want to spend.

Given this weekend warrior is calling all the shots with the design without the homeowners’ input, that leaves a lot of room for error. Does she deliver?

In the series premiere, “Dallas Palace,” Alix travels to Boca Raton, FL, to help a married couple Rachel

Inflation Is Making Home Improvement Projects Less Attainable for American Homeowners
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Inflation Is Making Home Improvement Projects Less Attainable for American Homeowners

Inflation Is Making Home Improvement Projects Less Attainable for American Homeowners

Nearly three-quarters of homeowners are finding projects to be more expensive than originally budgeted, causing some to consider their renovation plans

RIVERWOODS, Ill., April 17, 2023–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Discover Home Loans issued a survey to understand how inflation and higher interest rates have impacted American homeowners’ sentiment around investing in their homes versus moving to new homes.

Inflation is significantly impacting homeowners’ desire to undertake home improvement projects, with 59% of survey respondents choosing to postpone their projects and 26% saying they will reduce the scope of their projects in the face of increased costs. That said, there remains strong demand

8 simple ways to add old world charm to the kitchen
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8 simple ways to add old world charm to the kitchen

We’ve been working on all kinds of updates out in the cottage -from painting the built-in bookcases to changing some of the lighting. And the cottage kitchen got a fresh kitchen look recently too with a new kitchen island and lower cabinets.

8 simple ways to add old world charm to the kitchen

We didn’t remove those original old cupboards – don’t worry. But since this photo was taken- the counters and sink might have changed just a bit. We now have butcher block counters and an antique farm sink in here. it is all about 3 easy ways to add some of that lovely old world charm to a kitchen.

How to apply for a home improvement loan
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How to apply for a home improvement loan

Getting a home improvement loan isn’t too complex, but the process can be intensive — especially if you aren’t sure what type of product you need. Fortunately, your budget and credit score will be the main factors in determining the steps you need to take to apply for a home improvement loan.

How to take out a home improvement loan

Home improvement loans are just like any personal loan. While each lender will differ in eligibility requirements, there are general requirements to be aware of before starting the application process.

Research home improvement loans

There are four main options for

Topiary Love- how to care for topiaries
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Topiary Love- how to care for topiaries

Pretty little puff top plants. Some just foliage and some covered in little blooms that smell as lovely as they look. Today for Friday Favorites- we are talking about topiaries and why I love them and sharing a few tips for keeping them in that lovely topiary form.

Topiary Love

First up- how about a little shout out and love for topiaries. I am a big fan of them- from green foliage to flowering – to herbs and olives and even holiday topiaries. Topiaries are just so darn cute- and can plants be full of charm? Topiaries are absolutely full

Loan program helping Lethbridge residents afford home improvement projects – Lethbridge
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Loan program helping Lethbridge residents afford home improvement projects – Lethbridge

Lethbridge has become the ninth community in Alberta to launch a program helping residents pay for energy efficient and renewable energy upgrades to their homes.

Loan program helping Lethbridge residents afford home improvement projects – Lethbridge

The Clean Energy Improvement Program through Alberta Municipalities helps to eliminate the upfront cost of installing items like new windows, doors, solar panels, lighting fixtures and more to residential properties by offering low-interest financing through the city.

Residents can pay off the loan for the span of up to 20 years — depending on the project — which is added to property tax payments. The cost of the improvement must be between $3,000 and $50,000

Got home improvement projects?  Check out the library’s list
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Got home improvement projects? Check out the library’s list

Need a hand being handy? Know a Mr. Fixit who doesn’t live up to their name? Did DIY turn into “Ahh, I have a spring in my eyes!!!”?

Don’t despair at the failure.

The Vancouver Public Library (VPL) may have the list for you.

They came up with a list of 20 books to help people help themselves. And a DVD.

“Don’t despair if you are aghast at the state of your home, or have a need to make improvements. These books (plus one DVD) will provide you with all the tips and tutorials you will need,” says the library