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.

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.

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

7 Ways to Use Dried Flowers in Decorating
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7 Ways to Use Dried Flowers in Decorating

While flower bunches are always beautiful – dried flowers bring charm to a room as well. Whether you’re using them to create a romantic, vintage-style mantel or a versatile seasonal centerpiece, dried flowers are the perfect finishing touch to any room and can be used in all types of designs. We just talked about how to dry flowers in this post Here – so today it’s all about how to enjoy those flowers in your decor.

Dried Flowers Decor

1. Create a floral arrangement

A floral arrangement is a beautiful way to display your flowers. Whether you place them in

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Contractor scams can be hard to prove. What to do if it happens to you

  • While the number of home improvement fraud cases has remained consistent, in recent years the Delaware State Police have increasingly pursued felony charges.
  • Home improvement fraud cases are difficult to prove as it requires proving the contractor intended to swindle a customer from the time a contract was signed.
  • The percentage of guilty pleasures in home improvement fraud cases is less than 25%.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to clarify that most home improvement fraud complaints are neither criminal nor civil violations. Due to inaccurate data provided by the Department of Justice, a graphic was also corrected for

Collecting: Vintage Floral Dishes – French Country Cottage
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Collecting: Vintage Floral Dishes – French Country Cottage

Anyone else in the vintage dish collecting club? You know the one where you can’t walk by a pretty vintage dish without picking it up, contemplating bringing it home, setting it down and trying to walk away and then turning around to grab it before anyone else does? Yeah. I am right there with you in that club and did you know that I was once asked if I would trade several pieces of antique children’s furniture for 2 sets of antique china? You know I did.

So, I might even be in the running for being the presidents of