It’s time, guys. We’re remodeling our house, so I figure now is the time I should show you the BEFORE video. See what we’re starting with and watch our house transform over the next few months. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow along on this crazy renovation ride!
[This is a sponsored post. All opinions and enthusiastic outbursts are my own.]
I remember exactly when I starting coveting thy neighbor’s home, it was the moment I saw her open her front door… without a key.
She has a Schlage Sense™ keyless front door.
But the thing is, I live in LA. All my neighbors have all the things. Pools, basketball courts, outdoor kitchens… None of it ever really got to me that bad- until I saw a front door with keyless entry. THAT sent me over the edge of manageable jealousy.
So when Schlage® asked if I’d like to receive a Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt and write about it I said, “You have no idea how much YES I have for you.” Continue Reading…
Now might be a good time to let you in on a secret: we’re remodeling! Yup. We’re in the early stages- measuring, sketches, permits… but come November we’ll have to get into temporary housing because mama’s finally getting her upstairs master suite. Aw. yeah. We’re also pimping out everything else in the house- kitchen, bathrooms, windows and floors….
At least that’s the plan. I tend to get a little lost in the numbers. Let’s see how far we get with our budget. And then, you know me– I’ll DIY the rest.
If only I had JONATHAN and DREW from The Property Brothers to help me! Oh wait– I do! I met them last night at Orchard Supply Hardware and got a copy of their new book- Dream Home The Property Brothers’ Ultimate Guide to Finding & Fixing your Perfect House. And I have another copy FOR YOU! I’m also giving away a $25 gift card from OSH so keep reading! Continue Reading…
Christina and Tarek el Moussa from HGTV’s hit show Flip or Flop turn fixers into gold.
So when I was invited to have lunch with the El Moussas at a swanky restaurant in Hollywood to learn about their new partnership with HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams and their new paint I was like, YES! I want to use ALL the products THEY are using! Continue Reading…
Happy Summer, Everyone!
After DIY blogging for a couple years, I’ve received many requests for video tutorials. Well, folks, the day is finally here: check out Home Made Mimi on YouTube— (soon to be) chock full of valuable home improvement DIY videos! And silliness. Always silliness. For my first video, my friend Candie requested I do a tutorial on how to hang a flat screen TV. Excellent idea, Candie… but first we gotta find the studs! Please enjoy, share and subscribe!
And don’t forget to check me out on TLC’s What She Said airing this fall!
The other day we attended the LG Fam to Table event to celebrate the launch of their new Probake ovens. The event was hosted by Desperate Housewives star, Eva Longoria who has a new cookbook in stores– Eva’s Kitchen. The event also raised money for No Kid Hungry, which connects healthy meals to kids struggling with hunger.
I really want a piano. If my kids love playing it, great, but if they don’t, I don’t want to be stuck with an ugly piano that no one plays. I would at least prefer to be stuck with a pretty piano that no one plays.
Like this one.
I’d been researching pianos for a while and the only one I wanted was the Baldwin Acrosonic circa 1964. It’s gorgeous— a smaller spinet piano, mid-century modern cabinet, and it would look great in the room of our house we call “the lobby”. But these cost upwards of $1000. Then, in a quiet corner of eBay when no one else was watching, I found one. For $350 bucks! No major damage, all keys working. It was all the way across the country in Illinois, but I could afford to have it shipped since the price was so cheap. Within hours, I had won the auction. So easy! Continue Reading…
You already know that I don’t like spending a lot of money. You also know that I like nice things. Naturally, I like my things to look expensive even when they’re homemade.
So when I started thinking about a coffee table for our small living room area, I knew I wanted to make something unique, but would hold up to furniture found in fancy stores.
When this gorgeous vintage butcher block presented itself, I snapped it up. Continue Reading…
How American are you? Are you American enough for a giant United States chalkboard wall in your dining room?
I thought so.
Years ago we hopped on the chalkboard wall wagon, and loved every minute of it. Then we changed things around, and the next minute we knew, the living room was the dining room and the dining room was ready for something a little different. I thought maybe create a shape, make it a different color…
Continue Reading…
In Asian cultures, celebrating the new year includes getting organized and clearing out the clutter. In this multi-culti home we celebrate several new years, and each is a new opportunity to simplify our lives. I’m a firm believer in clear house/clear mind.
So last week I finally dealt with all the baby stuff. Yes, the “factory is closed” but I’ve been hanging on to much of it till my best friend had her baby. Guess what? She had her baby! This crap is hers now!
Unfortunately, unloading it on her wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be.
She couldn’t take it.
She doesn’t have a place to store it. Her storage unit is full. But I don’t have room either. My closets and garage are overflowing with the things that occupy older, school-aged children. Continue Reading…
