Home Repair Minimalist: April 2009

TODAYS NEW GOODIES

I had placed an order from Hammelman's last week for some Sweet Annie and some Lavender and today it arrived.

I could smell the aroma before I even got the box opened - oh my I didn't know how beautiful the Lavender was going to be. It said they came in 3 oz. packages so I ordered 15 of them...I didn't expect the stems to be as long as they are or the length of the flower part....they're just beautiful. They are approx. 20 inches tall.

I would have opened one up to take a picture but they are packaged so nice I didn't want to disturb them.

Oh and the Sweet Annie...this is my second shipment of that - I bought some in October for some projects and still have several pkgs. left. And they come in 4 oz. packages.

I probably will sell them at my home show all tied up with homespun and or some other decorative pretty.

Just thought I'd share this with you along with the post below with the winner of my Give A-way....

Still sewing on orders - hoping to get them all finished in at least a week so I can get back to a normal pace....this was a phenomenal go-round!!!

Hugs, Karen

AND THE WINNER IS....

I used a Random Number Generated system for the winner of my 100th post and here's what came up when I did the RNG:
Random numbers generated Apr 30 2009 at 19:35:24 by www.psychicscience.org.Free educational resources for parapsychology, psychical research & mind magic #42
I posted the results so you know I did this as fair as possible with 105 entries...

So that being done....CONGRATULATIONS goes to: KATHY S from BITTERSWEET FARM BLOG: http://bittersweetfarmgiftshop.blogspot.com/ she was guest #42

Kathy please e-mail me with your mailing address!

I do wish it could have been each and everyone of you!
Hugs, Karen

Mother Birds

Imagine creating something as complicated as a nest without hands.

Mother birds everywhere are busy creating nests for her precious eggs with a skilled beak.

give them a hand.........

This time of year my dogs Cooper and Woofie, massively shedding Corgi's, get brushed outside. I allow the hair to fly away, soon to be snapped up as a cushy nest lining. Also think about recycling your lint from the dryer. Set the collected lint aloft, woven into nesting materials, the soon to be baby birds will enter this world in comfort.

I'M HERE!

Good morning everyone...yes, I'm still here.

But I think you can all guess what I've been doing....NOPE, not the dining room...I've been sewing orders. Since the magazine article it hasn't slowed down so I haven't had a chance to get my fingers in the DR thing.

Yesterday Doug did a final coat on the trim where all the nail holes were and our son and grandson came over in the afternoon to bring all the cupboards/pie safes back in and I must say I'm loving it.

They put everything where it was before but it all took on such a different look with the wood floor.

I told Doug I just might keep the room very bare and minimal and keep an old Colonial look going.....but we have soooo many pretties that I love looking at....oh, what to do!

No the cloth doesn't belong on the table but we had something sitting on the table so it was under it and I didn't take it off.

And I still have the piddling kitty (not the one in the picture, although it's because of her that LOLA is doing it. It's a territory thing with her)....she only goes in the DR over by the tall cupboard - on either side....she knows what her litter box is for - she doesn't go anyplace but in that area now and then.

Not much to report today but wanted to let you all know I'm here and kicking! I do get on and read and comment on your blogs though - I have my little routine in the morning but needed to say HI to you all today!

Hugs, Karen

Bring Butterflies to Your Garden

Encouraging butterflies and hummingbirds to share in your herb bounty will add dimension to your gardening efforts, give your flying garden friends a welcome place to rest or a meal, and embrace the unexpected in the garden. A frisky hummingbird will tease your cat, which might seem dangerous, but I've never seen a cat catch one of these fast fliers. As for butterflies, watching them take

NEW TREASURE & WINNING

I finally got my camera out today to finish taking pictures of things I have been not able to do.

I won these adorable Prim Pillow Tucks from Cindy of http://cynthialeedesigns.wordpress.com/ but I don't have them 'tucked' where I want them but I did so want to share my winning from her.

And I also bought and received an adorable doll from Robin - I purchased it from her through Lemon Poppyseed (and through Robby of http://gloryriverprimitives-robby.blogspot.com/ they have a sale going together).

I have to say I do not remember Robins last name but she did a wonderful job on this adorable doll. But thank you Robin for shipping this to me so quickly.

I sewed all day again and was pooped tonight and Doug was on a day run and on the way home he stopped at Panera and brought home my favorite dinner from there....Asian Chicken Salad and Chicken w/wildrice soup....it doesn't get much better than that! Yummmmm.

Karen

Growing Stevia

Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana)Stevia is a delicate perennial that should be planted in light, sandy soil with a neutral pH. Give it full sun and wait to transplant it until the soil warms up in spring. Once the evenings start getting into the 60s and your tomato plants start to put on some growth, stevia should to do well. Stevia likes rich soil, so compost it well. Space plants 18 inches apart,

3rd PHASE DINING ROOM

This is one long process I must say!
It has been two weeks today since we started the dining room re-make but yesterday the floor was layed.
Our daughter in-laws brother is a floor installer so he said he'd do it for us (much to Doug's relief) and he came at 7:45 and was finished by 11. I guess when you know what you are doing the job goes way lots faster...lol
When he was finished I had a lunch ready of BLT's, fresh sliced chicken for sandwiches and all the fixins for both plus, chips, beans, strawberries and homemade brownies with real fudge frosting....he said he was glad we ate 'after' laying the floor or he'd be ready for a nap!

Here's the floor finished

Close-up Pretty huh????

Now Doug has to put all the new trim on that's sitting in the screen room - boy I'm glad the weather isn't good enough to be lounging in there cuz it's filled with all our dining room things.

Hope you aren't getting bored with this - I've nothing else to write about if you are cuz between the dining room re-make and my sewing everyday it's just the 'same ole, same ole'!

I have been getting multiple orders a day since the magazine article so I don't ever see the light of day...or even the dark of night either! (but it's a good thing - I'm so greatful for the orders!)

I just read Lea's post from Farmhouse Blessings that she's closing her Blog....I'm so sorry to see her leaving. She's been such an inspiration to me. Her journals seem to come to life with her words. LEA I WILL MISS YOU DEAR ONE.....but I understand.

Hugs, Karen

OPPPPPSSSSSS!!!!!

As I was reading the comments on my 100th post I noticed several of you don't have a blog and didn't leave me an e-mail to notify you in the event you won!!!!

Soooo - if you are one of them can you go back and post your e-mail or send me privately your e-mail address....Send to kmprimitives@yahoo.com

I'm sorry I didn't state this in the original post.

I appreciate the extra effort....and THANKS EVERYONE WHO COMMENTED AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL
Karen

2nd PHASE OF DINING ROOM

Not a whole lot happening here today - but thought I'd post the 2nd phase of the dining room re-do.

My brother came over Easter Sunday evening so he would be here bright and early on Monday to help paint the room - however we didnt' start as early as planned.

I put a sample of the Antique White on the wall and it was like blinding snow compared to what was on there originally - although the old color wasn't dark...but anyway we took the two gallons back and had some yellow put in and it and it worked...it took that bright stark look away so finally around 9 they started.....I was loving the new look.
The trim stayed the same...just a tad darker.

So the day went well and I made Cream of Potato Soup and Corn Bread plus some carved Ham and Hard Salami for sandwiches so it was a good hearty lunch.
And some wonderful Chocolaty (is that a word??) Fudge covered Brownies!

Then yesterday Doug painted all the new trim so after the floor is laid on Saturday he can start nailing it on.
I'll take pictures of the floor progress on Saturday.
Are you all bored yet????

So I want to thank everyone who commented on my GIVE A-WAY POST - I wish you all luck.

(Doug - on ladder, and my brother Gene getting things ready)

(Doug doing all edging work)

(Gene in between paint rolling - look at the difference in the walls - the light is the new)

Thanks for visiting me today!
Karen

Cityofoceanshores.com Newsletter ~ 04.2009

Spring Time means Whale Migration Time!
It's starting to look a lot like spring with daffodils blooming and new leaves taking shape on the trees. Along the coast, spring time means whale time! The season typically begins in late March to coincide with the migration of gray whales, which often stop to feed in Grays Harbor on their annual trip from Baja, CA to feeding grounds in Alaska. The season lasts until the end of May. While many people will venture out to watch the whales on a charter boat, I prefer to save a coin and watch them from the comforts of the high sand dunes at the North Jetty. As it stands, most of the charters venture to the area between Westport and Ocean Shores, known as the "whale hole" in hopes of spotting the mammals. You can watch this area from the Jetty. Bring your binoculars. In addition to gray whales, it's not uncommon at all to watch sea lions and Pacific Harbor porpoises nosing around the Jetty. If you get lucky, you'll see some Orca whales inside the harbor. This is a real treat. It's not often, but sometimes people get lucky and will see a humpback whale or two passing by. This is one of my favorite times to be at the beach...

Ocean Shores Real Estate Update

Real Estate activity is still up and down out here. Surprisingly, traffic counts are way up with lots of people looking at property and some are buying again... and that's good. According to the City, numbers from the count at the City entrances show that the visitor count is up 9% so far this year. That's great news! Nearly 60,000 more people visited Ocean Shores in February 2009 than February 2008 alone. Last year, with high gas prices for most of the time, numbers were down 8.5% for the year. The fact that traffic count numbers are up bodes well for sellers and local businesses. Here are some statistics regarding home sales in Ocean Shores for 1st quarter 2009:

2009: 31 Homes sold during 1st Quarter / Average Sales Price: $179,355.
2008: 37 Homes sold during 1st Quarter / Average Sales Price: $211,534.
2007: 46 Homes sold during 1st Quarter / Average Sales Price: $192,175.

*Average time on market for homes that have sold: 177 Days. Last year at this time, it took 190 days to sell your house.
*Home sellers are getting on average, 95.05% of asking price.
*As of April 7th, there's 36 homes that are pending (waiting to close) right now - meaning, that assuming all of those homes close, 2nd quarter without any new sales for the next few months, will already outperform the dismal results of the 1st quarter. We know that there will be new sales of course, so 2nd quarter is definitely looking up and I'll be shocked if by the end of the 2nd quarter, home sales haven't more than doubled or even tripled 1st quarter's results.

Overall, home inventory is shrinking which is really good news as we would all like to see the market to stabilize. Also shrinking are the number of bank-owned properties. They are definitely selling out here for really low prices. There's very few bank-owned house out here anymore though. Most of the bank-owned properties are fixers and need a lot of work. If you're interested, send me an email. Also doing pretty well is new construction. People still want their getaway at the beach and builders are still building them.

Land and condo sales are horrible. That's the bad news for sellers. For buyers, prices on condos and land are way down and there's plenty of fantastic deals that are up for grabs right now. As summer approaches and the tourism seasons moves into full swing, we're expecting the deals to disappear. Prices at the beach generally speaking don't go down during the summer months. If you're looking for a deal, now's the time.

All numbers & stats are from the NWMLS. If you have any questions regarding these numbers or activity in the real estate market, please call me at 360.581.9020 or send me an email.

Seller Financing? How to get financing for a vacant lot without anyone's stimulus...
These days, with the economy as it is, getting a lot loan from a bank is more of a challenge that it was only a couple of years ago. Back in 2007, a person with a decent income, credit score and 20% down could get a lot loan from any local lender. Today, you can get a loan, but it's going to require you... (click "HERE" to read the rest of this story)

Upcoming Events

Photo & Fine Arts Show - April 9-12
Artists & photographers from all over the United States enter this show to win prizes and display their unique photos and works of art. Held at the Convention Center.
Shorebird Festival - April 24th - 26th
Discover the incredible variety of shorebirds that pass through Grays Harbor in April at this 14th annual event. Multiple locations for viewing around Ocean Shores include Protection Island, Damon Point and the North Jetty! Join scheduled watching tours or set your own birding agenda and enjoy the views!

Three-day Razor Clam Dig starting April 25th!
The state Department of Fish & Wildlife has announced tentative dates for the next (and probably last for the spring) razor clam dig. Three beaches are set to open this month if marine toxin tests find the clams are safe to eat. Dates and low tides for the April dig are:
Saturday, April 25 (7:27 a.m., -1.3 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Sunday, April 26 (8:10 a.m., -1.6 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Monday, April 27 (8:55 a.m., -1.7 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Harvesters are allowed to take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 they dig, regardless of size or condition. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Any 2008 Washington state annual shellfish/seaweed license or combination license is still valid. Another option is a razor-clam only license available in annual or three-day only versions. Descriptions of the various licensing options are available on the department's Web site at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/.

Country Music Jam - May 2-3
Two days of open jam sessions. This is an old-time jam and people of all playing levels are welcome. The public is invited. Admission is free. Dinner & Dance Saturday night. Ear plugs optional.

News
First Bank Robbery Ever in Ocean Shores
So this 40 year old lady walks into Timberland Bank just outside the gates of Ocean Shores and hands the teller a note saying "you are being robbed." The note also said to "smile." She made off with almost $1800, hopped in her little car and drove about a half mile away, parked and called 911 confessing to the robbery. The scoop is that she wanted a fresh start in life and understood that robbing a federal bank is a good way to go to federal prison which apparently is a much better prison that educates better and feeds you better than local state prisons. I'm not sure about this. Anyway, the robber, while being arrested, wanted to know where the FBI was and stated to the local officers that she wanted to be arrested by the FBI because this was a federal bank robbery. Unfortunately for her, it wasn't. And unfortunately for her, she's not going to federal prison. She's going to a state prison.

Fresh Water Update
Some citizens and visitors in certain parts of town have complained for years about their water containing fowl odors and a strange taste. With the billions and trillions of dollars being thrown at our spiraling economy, Ocean Shores is in the running to receive about $3 million in federal funds to create the city's aquifer treatment plant project - aimed at improving the city's water quality. The city has now decided to move ahead with a new water treatment facility. More later...

New Features at the Interpretive Center
The Ocean Shores Interpretive Center is expanding and has some new cool things to do like exploring a new trail, checking out new exhibits and getting silly on a playground. Students from local high schools designed and constructed the Interpretive Trail as part of their senior culminating project. The trail is about 500 feet long (that's about the right length of a trail I want to walk on) leads visitors through a small coastal forest with a wetland area and a boardwalk. Students who worked on the project identified tree and plant species along the trail, and Interpretive Center officials will be placing signs in front of each type identified. Check it out. The Center is now open daily through the summer.

* http://www.cityofoceanshores.com/ Check it out now. Changes almost everyday!

Jeff Daniel/Associate Broker
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
Cell Phone: 360.581.9020749 Point Brown Ave NW/PMB 1568, Ocean Shores, WA 98569888.469.3100 (toll free) - 360.289.3111 (fax)
PROPERTY SEARCH: http://www.oceanshoreshomesforsale.com/
OCEAN SHORES WEBSITE: http://www.cityofoceanshores.com/
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://oceanshoresrealestate.blogspot.com/
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://activerain.com/jeffgdaniel

Kats Cove Condominiums

Kats Cove Condominiums

I MADE IT -THIS IS MY 100th POST

Today I celebrate my 100th post! I joined blogging in December of 2007 but forgot all about it until this past summer so, YES, I’m a chatty person as you can tell but look where it got me….lots of new friends and a chance to share some of my designs with you….so if you want to win this gathering of goodies I have for you just post your comments.

I do ask that you don’t put this on your blog as I want my followers and those who ‘find’ my blog through other blogs or on their own to be eligible….and I welcome all new followers!!!
I will draw the name of the lucky person on May 9th - early in the morning, one month from today!
Look at the bottom for the goodies you will win.
I have found through blogging that most of us are so much alike - we all love the past - and we bring it to the present to work for us in a decorative way unlike our ancestors who used these items for general daily living….thanks to them we can decorate our homes in much the same way they did but with all the modern conveniences thrown in.

Now on to the meeting this past weekend about my new business venture….IT’S A GO!
I rather knew from the moment Linda and I talked that this would work but we still needed to meet each other and work out details.

Linda and a friend of hers, Kathy, arrived here Friday around 4ish - we felt as if we already knew each other - do you ever feel that way about someone you have never met, but finally did after e-mails and phone calls? Linda is from Ellwood City, PA near Pittsburgh.

Well, they no more got here than we had to eat dinner because we needed to be out of the house by 5:45 to go to our granddaughters play and our new found friends joined us….I was so happy they said they would love to go with us because I felt horrible about having to leave them an hour after they arrived - so all worked out well. I do believe they enjoyed the play….it was ‘Tom Sawyer’.

Then Saturday we talked and planned the entire day - coming up with an arrangement that suited us both.

She will do in-home parties much like the Pampered Chef, Tupperware idea. Hopefully starting sometime in May if I can get my product line made up and sent to her by then. It’s a rather full schedule ahead of me but I think I’m up for it.

Linda arriving

Me and Linda...yes, I look tired - it's very early in the a.m. because they were ready to head back home to PA and had a full days drive ahead of them

Isn't this rose just beautiful? We took roses to Emily on Friday night for after her performance in Tom Sawyere and our daughter in-law sent me this picture of one of them yesterday....it's the most beautiful one I've ever seen.

Well our floor isn’t in yet - it has been a busy time for Doug with getting all the nails and staples out of the floor, the tacking strip on the edges and ripping off old wood work for our new wide Colonial Pine. It's scheduled to be laid on Saturday the 18th.

Isn’t it so, that one thing leads to another? We had no intention of new woodwork but I think you all know what I’m talking about…..’well, as long as we’re doing this, why not blah-blah-blah…..we might be sorry later if we don‘t….blah-blah-blah” LOL Sometimes Doug just looks at me and I can tell what's going through his mind but I just turn around and pretend I didn't see the look....lol

So today Doug starts painting the new trim….his one thing he really detests doing. Normally it’s my job - I love painting and all the prep work he has been doing but it’s impossible with all the orders I have to work on.

Then Monday my brother is coming to help with painting the rooms walls, ceiling and stairway.
We debated for several days on whether to change out the color of the trim and walls to match the den and kitchen’s deep red but after talking we thought it would be best to have the room different plus we love the grayish green of the trim. But the walls will be a cream this time.

Well everyone, here is what you will be winning by posting on my blog
A set of 4 Beehive Mug Mat/Coasters
A Beehive Jar Candle Hugger

A Willow Tree Wall Hanging with candle and Sweet Annie - hanging on a Cinnamon stick

Thank you everyone for sticking with me and visiting my blog faithfully…without all of you and my new friends I wouldn’t be taking the time to do this.

Hugs to all.
Karen

Understanding Stevia

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is an herb with some very powerful marketing connections. A sweetener extracted from stevia is making waves in the United States these days. This is probably a bit of a surprise to the Japanese, who have been using stevia extracts for decades.The stevia plant is originally from Paraguay. Stevia extract is promoted as being 200 times sweeter than sugar, but you'll have

NEW FLOOR

Well girls it's getting close....OMGosh - this is my 99th post!

I still don't know exactly what it is that will be in my surprise package for my 100th post but you will like it I'm sure.

A couple weeks ago we decided to put wood floors in the dining room.

I've wanted them forever and finally got Doug to start thinking like me...lol

So we ordered it and it will be here tomorrow but oh the work that needs to be done before it can be laid....pulling up the old carpet, pulling out the nails, cleaning the floor, painting all the trim, walls and stairway before the floor can be laid. I'm tired just thinking about it.

As we were getting things packed up from the hutches and pie safes our kitty 'Baby' takes over one of the boxes - she's lucky she isn't packed up in one and tossed out...it's because of her and her sister that we are taking up the carpet....one of them is piddling and not sure which one but when I do find out - well, let's just say we will be one less kitty that's a given.

Room with carpet still in it - and no, that's not a seam going down the center - we had to tip our long table on its side to take it apart and it lef the line...but I wasn't about to worry about something that was going to get ripped out.

Doug rolling up carpet sections for trash!

NO...THIS ISN'T THE NEW FLOOR but it isn't too bad looking is it?...lol
Carpet and padding all pulled up. It's the same color as the new floor we are putting down.

Even though this is oak, it looks like it's stained same from the looks of it.
Still have to pull out the nails and all the edging.

Our new floor will be Rustic distressed Pine plank laminate.

I won these adorable wax bunnies all grungied up and tied with rafia! There were 6 of these cuties but I gave two away this weekend in a goodie basket for our house guests.

THANK YOU DEB! Visit here at: http://debsprimitivecountrykitchen.blogspot.com/ for drawing my name.

I also got a bonus in the package of 12 wonderful smelling minty candles.

And a wonderful gift that came all the way from South Africa - I won one of Lynda's MARCH MADNESS drawings....the cutest handmade fabric bag with 4 fabric eggs and a darling fabric gift tag. THANK YOU LYNDA. Go visit her wonderful blog: http://whimsicalprims.blogspot.com/

Guess the next post will be number 100! So see you all then.

Karen

GETTING CLOSER!

I see this is my 98th post - imagine that!

Soooo close to my 100th and counting so what am I going to do.....hmmmmm
Guess you all will have to check back and keep wondering...lol

Is it going to be a Give A-Way to just one person - or possibly two people?

It's going to be a surprise even to me because this crept up on me and now look I'm at 98 - imagine being so gabby that you celebrate it.....LOL

THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO CAME TO VISIT MY BLOG AND LEFT SUCH WONDERFUL COMMENTS SINCE I'VE BEEN POSTING.
I've also made some wonderful friends because of it and I'm so thankful for it.

So come on back and check in now and then to find out what I will be doing.
Hugs, Karen