Many of you that know our family know that we are pretty green. We cloth diapered, I have the Eco Alternatives business, we compost, buy local, etc. One habit that we have just about eliminated is using paper towels. I created these reusable paper towels out of birdseye cloth {used years ago for cloth diapering ironically enough}. It has a slight texture & the same weight as a paper towel. Nothing burns me up more than spending money on paper towels to clean up a mess & throw them away. The average savings on an annual basis is projected near $300.00. This obviously depends on your homes usage, but it can really add up! For this to really work, I had to change our process, not just our product. So, instead of a paper towel holder, we have a basket. You reach to the same place, however instead of disposing in the trash can, you place them in a little wet-proof lined bag that sits in the basket. Empty into the washer when full & repeat. One small step to be more green & save some green too!
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This Christmas was extra special for me. As we traditionally do, we hosted our annual Christmas Breakfast for Steve's side of the family. However, this year EVERYONE was able to fit at one table in the new kitchen. I said to Steve this kitchen has truly been a dream come true.
Back story: I wanted to add a vintage sideboard to the kitchen {cranberry colored} & something with a little age. Dad mentioned that it might be a fun project for him & Steve to construct over the winter. Well, after months of 'construction' I was ready to have the kitchen just the way I wanted it. However, I drew him a picture of something that measured about 48" long & 18" deep. I left it with Dad & said that I was going to go "Goodwill Hunting" & see if I could find anything. Voila! For $30.00, I found something that met my EXACT measurements. Talk about LUCK! It is a veneer, however I knew I was going to distress it anyway. SOLD!
Countertops SOon!We will be having our countertops templated this week! Woot Woot! I wanted to keep you all updated with the progress.
A tribute to Rosie"Rosie the Riveter" would be proud! I have been hands on during much of this kitchen renovation. Over the last week I have measured, cut, & nailed our hardwood flooring. Dad snapped these pictures of me using some of the 'equipment' while sporting my safety gear {a true throwback to the 1970's}. I think he is proud & I know I am of all the hardwork we have put into this renovation.
A few notes about the above collage: 1. I almost always wear a skirt {or sweatpants} 2. I was really working here; no make-up, no hair done, etc. 3. I am typically barefoot ~ I even sew barefoot; however I couldn't use the flooring nailer without some sort of shoe. 4. We are having fun, learning so much, & improving our home! xoxo ~Traci 51 BOXESThe cabinets were delivered today. After adding in the boxes that contain all of the mouldings, we stored 51 boxes in Steve's "Mancave." We started unpacking several {thanks Dad, Patty, & Michael} and I am offering you a sneak peek of what is to come!
"Patience Grasshopper"Sunday, September 25, 2011: Today was the day that my Uncle Howard proclaimed we would "be walking on new floors by the end of the day." Reality check: Murphy's Law happens! The flooring nailer was jamming, made a return, bought another brand {a better one} and 8 hours later we are walking on a portion of completed flooring. One quarter of 400 plus square feet to be specific.
Note: The title is something my dad enjoys telling me on almost a daily basis at this point (it has been a long 10 weeks & we still don't have a kitchen). However, with his slight awkward accent, "Patience Grasshopper" has become his Confucianism motto & it makes me smile, laugh, & appreciate all the hardwork our family has put in to make this kitchen a dream come true (well until I have to wash the dishes again ~ outside in the rain). |
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AuthorTraci, a wife, mother of two boys, Special Education teacher, and sole proprietor of Eco Alternatives LLC. Archives
September 2021
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