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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!
Read moreWe are very fortunate to have found them all: a log provider, a builder, and a general contractor that we are completely comfortable with. Here's why we chose Honest Abe Log Homes and why we stuck with them through lots of changes, ups & downs.
Read moreHere's why we chose John Roach to be the general contractor to build our new log home in Williamson County Tennessee. Plus, some tips for what to look for in a GC, and some recommendations for general contractors in Middle Tennessee.
Read moreI 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...
Read moreSome of the pros and cons of side by side refrigerators vs french door refrigerators...
Read moreCheck out this custom log cabin playhouse! This one was made for the Make A Wish Foundation, but they have a kit so you can make one yourself.
Read moreHere are my favorite rustic ornaments for Christmas trees...
Read moreSince 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!
Read moreI met with reps at Undercover Systems... again. We've been considering their underdecking for awhile now. And I have to say, I really like this company. They're no-pressure, honest & upfront. Here are the details of what it would take -- and what it would cost -- to install underdecking on our new log home...
Read moreHere are the notes from my reviews of refrigerators. In the end, the GE Profile Energy Star and Maytag Ice20 were my top choices for refrigerators.
Read moreOverall, GE -- mostly their Profile line -- and Maytag -- also sold as Whirlpool -- have kitchen appliances, washers and dryers that seem far superior to me than all of the other brands I looked at.
Read moreIf you're building a home on a private piece of property, chances are you'll have to put in a ditch and a culvert. Here's how it went for us... including photos of the culvert, ditch, and driveway.
Read moreI learned a few things about the differences between attached garages vs detached garages vs basement garages. Here's what I found...
Read moreBefore we could close on our construction loan with the bank, we had to submit proof of 'builder's risk insurance' to the loan officer. We THOUGH there would be a simple builder's risk type of policy from the insurance companies that would cover things like 'theft of materials', 'new construction theft', and 'dwelling under construction. What we found was most insurance companies wanted you to buy a complete homeowner's policy with them instead.
Read moreSome tips regarding silk plants, faux trees, fake flower arrangements, and artificial plants. First and foremost... here's how to clean them!
Read moreWithout a doubt, our log home will be more like a bungalow with some interesting angles, curves & unique hardware, rather than purely straight lines and squares. But it wasn't until we started fine-tuning the details like a big wooden speakeasy door with a dentil shelf -- Arts & Crafts; prairie style windows -- Craftsman; tapered columns and wide steps on the porches -- bungalow that we even realized we were gravitating toward the Craftsman style of home architecture and decor which encompasses all of these things, and more.
Read moreLittle known facts about wells and water usage. Here's everything we've learned about digging a well, including proposed costs to dig a well in Williamson County, Tennessee.
Read moreHere are some easy ways to spot a Craftsman style home... What to look for and what to include if you wish to build a Craftsman style home or an Arts & Crafts style log home.
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