WWW: Bric(k)-a-brac(k)ing

For this week's Weekend Warrior Wednesday feature, I think I've created a new word: brick-a-bracking. It's a verb that means brick-hoarding. Came home from The Home Depot with every Holland paver they had (71) in the trunk of the 'Bird.

I'm starting to prepare for the long dreaded and long postponed porch and walkway project. And since the Home Depot's version is nine cents per brick cheaper than their competitor, I figured I'd save a few bucks. Lowe's, however, will likely get the lion's share as I have two dollar-off cards (one for $10, the other for $25) that expire Sunday. I hope they will have enough supply that I can use them both.

I'm starting to hoard because even though I already had about 100 bricks before the latest trunkload, Memorial Day weekend is not that far off. I'll get off early on Friday, have the holiday weekend through Monday, and then tack on two days of vacation. So, I'll have plenty of work to do and a little extra time to do it in.

Mind you, we still haven't started Carole's bedroom yet. And, except for wallpaper paste, I already have all the materials for that. In fact, the basement family room more closely resembles a warehouse than a family room right now. I also have to disassemble the existing daybed and assemble the new one. And that's while trying to keep up with yard work, the one major downside to warmer weather.

I'm exhausted just thinking about it all. But it will all look good when I get done, right? Stay tuned ...

WWW: Mandee's Kitchen

Welcome to the debut of Weekend Warrior Wednesday. If you're doubting your DIY abilities, hopefully these posts will give you some confidence. I'd love to hear what you think - and I'd love to hear about YOUR project.

If you can keep up with this girl, I'm frightened. She's not content to be expecting a baby, chasing a 7-year-old, working from home, and being a Yorkie mom -- she has to take on a kitchen remodel, too! (Note the adorable Yorkie on the finished floor.)

Actually, she's got some great advice to share about her new kitchen from top to bottom. While it's still a work in progress, her kitchen is already sporting a new ceramic tile floor and lovely crown molding and wainscoting. I think even Mandee may have been surprised by more than one of these tips:

1. When family visits, put them to work. Mandee's brother-in-law and father-in-law were key to getting the job done. The tile had been languishing around the house for about a year. So, if you get extra hands in, don't let them be idle!
2. It may take less time than you think. While "the boys" had estimated 3-4 days to complete the work and banished Mandee from the house (limiting exposure to chemicals), they wrapped the job in little more than a day.
3. Give it a try and save big bucks. While home improvement can be very expensive, a lot of the cost is in labor. So, when you take it on, you cut the expenses dramatically. Mandy's hubby is busy putting in crown molding and wainscoting. Mandee reports that the molding was $150 for material but that will cover both the kitchen and living room. The wainscoting cost $80 for all of the material and paint. With hubby doing the work using a borrowed saw, the labor cost: NOTHING! Mandee estimates that this work alone saved them hundreds of dollars.

That will leave Mandee some spare change to put into a future project. And since her redo continues, that will sure come in handy!

CONGRATULATIONS, Mandee. It looks great. We'll have to check back in with you when you get the next phase complete.

Something Different

To steal a line from the legendary Monty Python: And now for something completely different ... but not 'til tomorrow. Tomorrow I am officially launching Weekend Warrior Wednesday.

Every Wednesday -- ideally -- (hey, I'm just startin' it) I'll feature a diffent project that someone else has done. Maybe it's something you'd like to do at your house but were either too afraid or too uncertain to try. By seeing someone else's project and hearing their account of how it went, as well as some good tips and other advice, maybe you'll be inspired.

And with a different job each Wednesday, that gives you plenty of time to plan for a weekend project!

A special thanks in advance to Mandee who has agreed to be the guinea pig by debuting this feature with her very recent flooring project.