A Fun Way to Beat the Winter Blues--Shopping

We have had amazing weather this winter.  And by amazing, I do NOT mean hot, dry gardening weather.  I mean two feet of snow, freezing rain, ice, cold, cold, cold weather!

Well, the best way to solve the winter blues (in my book!) is to go shopping.  Recently, I found the cutest shop and it's not far from me.

Just a Bed of Roses has so many fun things!  The first time I went there, I was paying my property taxes across the street and saw lots of galvanized goodness out front.  I went in and found a shop FULL of great stuff and the nicest people working!

I've gone back several times on my days off and have found something fun every time! 

Brenda, the shop owner, carries these FABULOUS magazines!  They are huge, have lovely photography and stories of very creative people!  I was looking for a gift for a friend for Christmas and knew she'd love this magazine.

 

When I was in the other day, I found this burlap pillow.  I love it on the chair my husband remade several years ago.

I cannot wait for spring so I can put some flowers in this rusty green and yellow bucket!  I love the handle too!

 

They were selling these lemon cypress plants before Christmas.  I had it on my dining room table for the holidays and now have it in the family room.  I soak it in a bowl of water once a week and it's good to go.

I've bought the old zinc lids for canning jars as well as these wooden spools of thread.

 

 

Everytime I stop in and see Brenda or Joni, I find something fun and have a great visit! 

 

What fun finds have you found lately?

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

 

Pam

 

 

I am linking to the following parties:

 

 



7 Easy Steps To Make Your Bathroom More Energy Efficient

There are a number of design features and fittings that can improve bathroom energy efficiency and reduce energy bills and greenhouse pollution. Remodelling your bathroom to make it more energy efficient will improve your home because doing it right will reap the benefits of health, safety, comfort and will save you money and energy.

1. Energy Efficient Hot Water System
Select an energy efficient hot water system and place it as close to the bathroom and laundry as possible to reduce pipe length and reduce heat loss.

2. Energy Efficient Ventilation Fans
Bathroom moisture is often controlled by the use of an exhaust fan. The fan sucks out the moisture-laden air, which is then replaced by drier outside air.
Install properly sized energy efficient ventilation fans to control moisture in the air while you shower or bathe. By removing moist air and drying out your bathroom, a ventilation fan will help prevent mold and mildew. Fans help remove moisture, which can increase the level of humidity in your house. High humidity can damage building materials. Worse, high humidity can cause mold growth and mold may affect your family's health. Install self closing exhaust fans to avoid heat loss or gain when not in use

3. Energy Efficient Lighting
Another easy way to make your bathroom more energy efficient is to install energy efficient labelled lighting (e.g., Light Fixtures: suspended lights, ceiling-mounted lights, cabinet lights, recessed lights, or compact fluorescent bulbs). Attractive, energy-efficient lighting adds value to your home and reduces home energy bills.

4. Insulation - Insulate Walls and Ceilings
The walls behind tubs or showers are often poorly insulated and air-sealed. Opening these walls as part of the remodelling project provides an opportunity to ensure comfort by sealing air leaks with caulk or expanding foam and installing insulation. Also make sure to air seal around plumbing and electrical penetrations.

5. Energy Efficient Windows and Doors
If you are replacing windows, doors, and skylights, consider those with the energy efficient label. New technologies in the glass and frame systems help make your home more comfortable, and lower heating and cooling costs too.

6. Energy Efficient Shower heads
The shower is the largest user of household hot water. Install an AAA shower head to reduce the amount of hot water consumed. AAA shower heads are available at many bathroom supply stores and hardware stores. A flow rate of approximately 7L per minute is considered as AAA for shower heads.

7. Water Pipes and Water Saving Devices
Insulate hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and save energy. Install water saving devices like water saving aerators and flow regulators in your taps. Select water saving taps that have a similar water saving rating.

These are a few great and easy starting ideas for anyone to improve overall bathroom efficiency.

Pottery Barn Inspired Buffet

Each Christmas, my husband likes to make me a piece of furniture.  This year we wanted some sort of table behind the couch.  We thought about a simple, two shelf table that would display some scales, apothecary jars, etc., but then decided that a buffet with much needed storage for extra dishes would be perfect.  We were in Pottery Barn and saw this piece and were inspired.

Source

We loved the look of it, but it was too tall for our needs.  Well, with a husband who can make just about anything, that really wasn't a problem.  He made a piece that works perfectly for us.

He made this out of pine, as we love the look of it.  It took him about three weeks start to finish.  In those three weeks, we had Christmas, he has a full time job that does not involve woodworking, and we had two snowstorms that dumped over two feet of snow on us!  (meaning, snowblowing before woodworking on several days).  He is so dedicated to making everything perfect and getting things done!

He used Minwax Provincial Stain to get the dark color.

We ordered the feet from Osborne Wood Products and the handles/pulls from Pottery Barn.  

 

We wanted something different for the doors.  We looked at several types of wavy glass and beaded glass, but wanted the things inside the cabinet to be somewhat hidden.  So we came up with this:  We ordered eight pieces of glass and put these mesh inserts (from Hobby Lobby on sale for 41 cents each!) between the glass.  We are thrilled with the way the doors came out (even though it's proven almost impossible to get a good picture of them!) 

The drawers are made of maple and will hold my Mom's silver.  We've been using it quite a bit lately and absolutely love it!  It'll be nice to have all of the pieces so close.

When we brought it in the house yesterday, without the doors on, here was Bailey to make sure everything was ok. 

We put the red scale on that my husband refurbished a couple of months ago, along with the Chelsea lamp and burlap shade from Pottery Barn.  And, the most important item on there is the little chocolate lab in memory of Max.  :)

I am so happy with this piece and can't wait to fill it up.

Thanks for your visit!

Pam


I am linking to the following parties:

 Debbiedoo's Newbie with a Twist
Common Ground's Be Inspired Party