Doing Something New - The 12 Decision Challenge by Chip Gaines

#makesense

I'm currently reading Chip Gaines' book, "No Pain No Gaines - The good stuff doesn't come easy." In one of the chapters he encourages readers not to go through life on auto pilot. There is a week long challenge to make 12 decisions and do something you usually wouldn't.

So far they have varied from decisions as simple as taking myself out to breakfast or driving down a different road in my new hometown to trying a home project. (Chip doesn't mention home projects but I was inspired!) 

Our new home has a duct in the kitchen for a horizontal vented range hood. Unfortunately, the hole was cut too low for a rear vent unit that could also fit below the cabinet. A technician came to measure and the recommendation was to fill the hole and get a recirculating unit. That wasn't the answer I had hoped for but ultimately I knew it would be the easiest fix.

HERE IS WHAT IT LOOKED LIKE PRIOR TO MOVE IN

I've patched holes but never one that went all the way through the wall. But since I took Chip's challenge, I decided to do research and take a shot. Some benefits are that it would be less expensive, we wouldn't need to find a handy man, and we wouldn't need to wait for scheduling. Plus, the weather turned cold today and a hole in the wall is not ideal. 

This morning I woke up, ran to the local hardware store and here are the results. Sure, a professional probably would have done things different, but for an all in cost of $62.98, I'm pretty proud of myself!

THAT IS OUR NEIGHBORS FRONT DOOR!

PIPE I REMOVED - IT STUCK OUT BOTH SIDES

PLASTIC CAP TO HELP WITH CLOSING HOLE

INSIDE CAP VIEW

FOAM TO HELP INSULATE

ADDED MORE FOAM TO INSIDE COVER

SOME GAPS BUT TAPED THE LEAVERS SHUT

UTILIZING THIS TO FILL GAPS - NOT SPONSORED

INSTALLED!

PATCH IS GOING ON

 

GOES ON PINK - DRIES WHITE SO YOU KNOW TO SAND & APPLY 2ND COAT

ALL DONE! I'M SO PROUD OF MYSELF!

____________________________________________________________

PS - another thing I'm proud of is figuring out
how to cover the dryer pipe that also stuck out of our home.

Poems for Travelers - James Arthur Lyons

 I visited a bookstore called "Stranger than Fiction" to snag some new books. One was a book of poems for travelers by James Arthur Lyons. It's number 480 of 500 printed versions and is signed by the author with an inscription to The Smiths wishing them happy travels from 1972. BUT the coolest thing is that inside the pages of the book was this newspaper clipping. It's of a distinguished gentleman modeling a Scottish tweed jacket which happens to be the author!

The Loft @ Hangar 309

Hubby and I recently spent some time at an AirB&B located inside an airplane hanger in McKinney. We have been at the lakeside RV for almost a month now so we had to get a break into something a little larger and a place that didn't rock back and forth when you walked through it. :) 

The place was perfect for us. Here are a few trip photos.

 

 

Honeymoon Home - Bungalow Empty House Tour

 We found this dreamy home that was built in 1960 and recently renovated! I'm calling it our honeymoon home since we are still newlyweds. Here's a link to the video of our 1st walk-through. Photos are below and the video, although amateur, gives it scale! 

I never thought I'd ever live in a home this beautiful!

 

 

View entering - dining room

living room

view back to front door

kitchen

inside pantry

 

laundry room

main hallway

guest bedroom - hubby's office

9 ft x 4 storage closet

primary bedroom (their lens makes it appear narrow - it is not)

primary walk-in closet

 

 

upstairs to my library & home office

love this window!

So EXCITED!

 

 

cute accent some previous owner created

cute storage

Photo I found from previous listing! *wow*

 So from above pic to this! I'm beyond blessed.