Craftsman Wishes and Renovation Dreams

Yesterday, Hubby and I were attending an event in a neighborhood that we would love to move to but that is mostly out of our price range.  We were looking for parking and ended up on a street of beautiful Craftsman-style homes that were positively charming. We were all like: "Look at that one!" and "Ooooo, what about that one!" and then, right in the middle of the street we saw it: the same style of house in the middle of an overgrown yard, with boarded up windows and peeling paint.  It was a beauty.

That could very well be our house.  Its condition would warrant a significantly lower asking price than normal and we could renovate it to look like the other gems on the block.  "We definitely could," Hubby said.  My mind raced.

I'm certain we won't pursue it, but for a moment, the possibilities were endless.

DIY: Homemade Boot Tray

No entryway or mudroom is complete without a place to store your wet or muddy boots and shoes.  Here are a couple of easy and cute ideas on how to make your own.

Good Housekeeping: Cork-Lined Tray

Gather a well-worn baking or jelly-roll pan (or buy an inexpensive new one), a roll of cork (from an office-supply store), a pencil, and scissors. Measure the sheet's interior; cut cork to fit, and place in the pan (don't worry, the shoes' weight will flatten the cork); replace as needed. 


Martha Stewart: Pebble-Filled Tray

Fill your tray with stones (found at garden centers). Ice and snow will melt and drain through the rocks to the bottom of the tray, so your boots won't stand in a puddle. Most of the moisture will evaporate, but you should clean out the tray regularly.


I'm loving the pebble-lined tray. I wonder if I can pull it off or if I'm just asking for trouble.  I can L'il Buddy strewing pebbles throughout the house on a daily basis.