Our DIY Projects
Over the past few years, we have been working on our porch. In this post, you will learn how to install simulated stone.
We used Hermitage simulated stone manufactured by Horizon Stone. We love this simulated stone because it looks like real stone because of variation; there are so many different shapes. We purchased this from Jenkins Brick in Pellham, Alabama. We also used Argos Custom Blended Masonry Cement; the color is Savannah Ivory.
Over the past few years, we have been working on our porch. One phase of this project was installing simulated stone. Before we could do this, however, we had to shore up the porch foundation.
We used Hermitage simulated stone manufactured by Horizon Stone. We purchased this from Jenkins Brick in Pellham, Alabama. We also used Argos Custom Blended Masonry Cement; the color is Savannah Ivory.
We love this simulated stone because it looks like real stone due to the variation; there are so many different shades and shapes. When we were renovating/adding on to our house, we actually traveled to Chattanooga to see this stone on a house.
Continue reading “Installing Simulated Stone on the Exterior of Our House”
Background:
We wanted to surprise two very special girls with a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando. Our son Ryan’s partner is Bekah; she has two precious girls (Ocean and Luna) whom we love very much!
Instead of just telling them we are going to Universal Studios, we wanted to make telling them a memorable experience (as well as the trip itself). Hence, we decided to create a Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt to reveal our trip.
You can do this for birthday parties, rainy days, Harry Potter weekend movie marathons, or any occasion which would warrant a Harry Potter scavenger hunt.
July the 4th is one of many fun times to live on the lake as we celebrate Independence Day! We typically have family visit for several days, so we create great memories of swimming, boating, fishing, eating, telling family stories (that are more exaggerated each year), and a lot of laughter.
So back to my tablescape . . .
Continue reading “Festive, but Simple 4th of July Tablescape”
Several years ago, Neal and I finished constructing the closet on our dock. Tradesman Company Docks on Logan Martin Lake built our dock in spring of 2013. 
Neal and I purchased treated lumber at Home Depot to construct our dock closet. It is always challenging to calculate how much lumber you need for these types of projects. We were almost finished with the closet . . . but then we ran out of lumber. 😬 It was hot and we were waaaay too tired to go get more lumber. We live about 17 miles from Home Depot. But we got an idea! 🤔 We used some leftover thin pieces of treated wood to make an American flag. 🇺🇸 This is an example of making a negative a positive! 👍
Continue reading “Painting an American Flag on Our Dock Closet”
This was a simple and fun project with a great result!
In recent months, I have been traveling quite a bit in my role as an education consultant. Neal and I went to Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania in January. I recently traveled to Wisconsin and California and then will travel to Philadelphia the end of this month. All this to say, I have learned how to pack light. 🛩
Continue reading “How to Pack Light for a Flight (and other packing tips)”
It has been a LONG winter with many gray days, so I REALLY enjoyed creating this tablescape. It was so delightful to bring some spring into the house!
When our children were young, we were friends with several Catholic families who gave up something for Lent. I remember one of our neighbors gave up chocolate and ate an entire chocolate cake on Easter morning! This story still makes me laugh! 😂
