Decor & AccessoriesHome & Garden

How To Decorate With Simple, Rustic Christmas Decorations Inside Your Log Home

Jim and I are both eager to decorate our new log home with very simple -- and very rustic -- holiday decorations next year. The plan is to start simple. Keep it rustic. Not 'country' just rustic... lots of rusted metal... rough edges... wrought iron... tin... you get the idea.

Why We Decided Against Composite Decking For Our Log Home

After a lot of research and homework, we've actually decided AGAINST using composite decking at this time. It wasn't an easy decision. Far from it. In fact, we were honestly looking forward to trying it. But the cons outweighed the pros at this point in time. Here's why...

Log Cabin Homes Adorned With Holiday Lights & Christmas Decorations

There's just something about the warm glow of lights -- like candles & holiday lights -- as they shine against the backdrop of a log home that gives me the warm fuzzies. It takes me back to the day of Ma & Pa Ingalls -- when life was different.Plus, I've always been more fond of natural light than harsh bright lights inside the home. Enjoy these simple photos of log homes decorated for the holidays...

GE, GE Profile & Kenmore Microwave Oven Recall

Yesterday's recall of 92,000 wall microwave oven units includes GE, GE Profile, and Kenmore microwave ovens. Anyone who has one of these microwave ovens should stop using it immediately. GE and Sears are offering either a free repair or a significant rebate on a new microwave oven. Here's the scoop...

Tips When Shopping For A Dishwasher (Psst… Kenmore Rocks!)

Tips for dishwasher shopping. Plus, the top 5 dishwashers that did best in tests and reviews...

See What Different Tile Choices Would Look Like On Your Bathroom Or Kitchen Floors

This free online program lets you see what various tile floors would look like -- BEFORE you go to pick out your tile in the stores!

The Exterior Doors We Chose For Our Log Home

We recently picked out 7 exterior doors for our new log home. Here are the ones we selected...

Exterior Doors: Should You Buy Paint Grade Or Stain Grade Doors?

It didn't make sense to me why our decision to paint vs stain the exterior doors couldn't be made after-the-fact -- after we had installed the doors -- and why it would affect the price of the doors anyway. But after a conversation with a contractor about this, I learned that we should always say we want a stain-grade door, rather than a paint-grade door. Here's why...

Picture Frames Made From Sticks And Twigs

There are actually LOTS of different ways that you can make your own rustic photo frame... using twigs. Here are a few examples, to give you some ideas...

Should You Buy A Direct Buy Membership? Is There A Catch?

We've thought about joining the Direct Buy membership club for some time now. But I recently heard from a reputable source a whole 'nother take on DirectBuy. I found this QUITE interesting...

Washer & Dryer Details And Reviews

Of all the washers & dryers that I reviewed, including LG's and Bosch, I would seriously consider buying an LG washer and dryer, but I just like the Maytag washer & dryer combo better overall.

Non-Traditional Christmas Decorating Ideas

The holiday decorations inside our log home are pretty 'neutral' in color. For that reason, I may be displaying some colorful ornaments in bowls (like fruit!) this Christmas!

I’ve Finally Found It… Adorable Doggie Yard Art!

I've had my eye out for that perfect one-of-a-kind figurine or statue to grace the front porch of our new log home for awhile now. Since I don't want anything too 'tacky', I honestly didn't think I'd ever be able to find something cute, fun, AND classy. But I think I may have finally found it. Check out these life-size dog welcome statues!

Some Notes About The GE Stoves, Cooktops & Microwaves That We Like Best

I mostly concentrated on the products that stood out to me as the best from the get-go. In my mind, we'll probably be buying one of these microwave/convection ovens, and one of these cooktop/stoves...

French Door Refrigerators vs Side-By-Side Refrigerators

Some of the pros and cons of side by side refrigerators vs french door refrigerators...

Rustic Christmas Ornaments That Would Look Great In A Log Cabin Or A Log Home

Here are my favorite rustic ornaments for Christmas trees...

Should We Get A Freezerless Refrigerator AND A Standalone Freezer Instead Of A Side-By-Side?

Since freezerless models don't appear to have the built-in ice & water dispenser, the plan now is to buy regular refrigerator -- with or without a freezer attached, but DEFINITELY with lots of fresh food storage capacity -- for the kitchen and also buy a standalone full-size freezer for the pantry, for all our frozen food needs. In my mind, that's the best of both worlds. Yay... I think I've finally found the answer to our cold food storage needs!