Slow Living When the New Year kicks off, we often feel pressured to make our resolutions and goals a focus and work to accomplish them as quickly as possible. While the new year can be rejuvenating & feel like a fresh start with the right pacing, we’re often so caught up with trying to mark…
Category: Home Improvement
Tax tips for homeowners 2022: Tax credits and breaks
Homeownership comes with a lot of financial responsibility and a never-ending list of home improvement projects. But for anyone who pays a mortgage, the good news is that you can deduct several home expenses come tax time — especially if you itemize your taxes — or enjoy other tax breaks as a home owner. Here…
12 Organizing Ideas for your home if you are closet challenged
January is all about organizing, decluttering and hitting a reset button. This year, especially, that reset and fresh start is feeling bigger than ever. I have taken down almost all the Christmas trees (there are a few haha) and packed away most of the other holiday decor. But we left the living room tree up-…
Weekend View – French Country Cottage
The Weekend View is a rainy day version this week. Rain Rain Rain It has been a bit of a rainy start to the new year- in just a couple days- almost 12″ of rain- and we have more on the rain every day in the forecast. I am keeping fingers crossed that California is…
Antique Round Table – French Country Cottage
A simple and sweet and oh so charming antique round table. Does anyone else shop vintage during the holidays? Surely, I can’t be the only one that all the thrift stores call to even when busy decking the halls. And so, it happened. Though this was another online find at Marketplace- and also another find…
How a Data Nerd Approaches DIY Home Improvement Projects
I started 2021 by buying an 1885 hulk of a home, sight unseen, with visions of restoring its earlier grandeur. In almost two years, I’ve restored three of many rooms and tackled multiple smaller projects, by myself. Do-it-yourself home improvements can save a lot of money, but that’s hardly the only reason to dive in….
Does the Color Tint of Your House Change Its Energy Efficiency?
When people think about energy efficiency, they often focus on insulation, windows, or air conditioning systems. But there’s another factor that quietly affects how much energy a home uses—the color tint of the exterior and windows. The colors and finishes on your home can influence how much heat it absorbs or reflects, directly impacting indoor…
growing dahlias – my do’s and dont’s and learning as you go
I’ve been growing dahlias here for six or seven years now. It started with a tuber I found in a bargain corner at the garden center, and which turned out to be the most beautiful café au lait! I was immediately hooked, and have been growing them ever since, in increasing quantities each year. Like…
All the Home Improvement Tax Credits You Can Take Advantage of This Year
Photo: Stokkete (Shutterstock) President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law last August, but it wasn’t until Jan. 1 that Americans became eligible for its money-saving tax credits on environmentally-friendly home improvements, appliances, and electric vehicles. Now that the new year is upon us, let’s look at what the IRA could mean for…
How to Install Residential Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has become a top choice for homeowners who want a durable, long-lasting, and energy-efficient roof. It offers excellent protection against harsh weather, requires less maintenance than traditional shingles, and can last several decades when properly installed. If you’re considering this upgrade, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install residential metal roofing. Step…






