If I could only have one power tool, I would have no hesitation choosing which one it would be…a drill.  No question.   Our drill makes an appearance in many of my projects, like this shelf I built for Cottages & Bungalows…   (Okay, my husband helped on that one.)  …and you can see it in a couple of tutorials in Inspired You…   We had a nice drill, but after about six years of hard labor, the batteries weren’t holding their charge as well and the drill itself was getting a little tired.  It was time for an update.  We headed to our local True Value to see what they had.  My husband is a major researcher when it comes to tool purchases, so he knew exactly what he wanted…   …the Makita 18 Volt Compact XLT Lithium Ion Driver/Drill.  He practically hugged it all the way to

Welcome to another Decor Steals MMS Pick of the Month!  I’m sort of getting geared up for the holidays and when I spotted this beautiful Frenchy crown, I immediately saw it fitting in with some evergreen branches and sparkly ornaments.  It’s subtle enough, though, that it can be used as a decorative piece year round.   I will say, I’m sometimes disappointed with pieces from wholesale companies that are trying to look rusty and old, but this one does not disappoint.  It has an authentically time-worn look and feel.  It’s really a special piece. And, as always, here’s a peek at tomorrow’s steal (which I also picked out)… Almost anything looks more impressive under glass!  I love this glass display case for showcasing simple, natural objects or sentimental pieces and antiques.  This would also be fun to change out with the seasons. Of course, Decor Steals is giving three crowns and

  I love inspiring business stories and women who found their inner-entrepreneur at their kitchen counter while caring for little ones.  It always encourages me to see their success. Erin of The Vintage Pearl is one of those success stories. What started out as a creative endeavor, turned into a small business selling on E-bay and has blossomed into a thriving company with their own online shop and even a retail store in Tulsa, OK.  (Is anyone else imaging jumping in front of a store with your employees and friends and your business name on the sign?  Yeah, I kinda am…)   (That girl on the far left has quite the vertical jump!) Erin and her team make beautiful jewelry, with each piece featuring a real pearl…         …and hand made things for the home, like this Christmas ornament.    And with all of their success, The

 It’s been such a great experience to be a part of the True Value DIY Blog Squad for a second year.  Last year, I was able to paint my kitchen cabinets as one of my big projects…    …and it made a huge difference in my home.   (Wow…it’s hard to remember when my cabinets looked like that!)   I also replaced all of the hardware, which completed the look.       We gave the half bath a new look courtesy of True Value as well.  It went from this…   …to this… This year, in addition to getting some projects done around my home (I’m still figuring out what I’m going to do), I get to give away a $100 True Value gift card to one of my readers.  Woohoo!  You can spend that money however you want at your local True Value Hardware store…     …or