More new lighting

We finally changed out the light above the kitchen table. We also bought a new dome light to replace this hideous florescent box but that hasn't been put up yet.

This is the light above the table before





And this is our new one






This shows the ugly box that we need to still take down. I really don't know why anyone would want florescent lighting in their kitchen. It's so harsh and ugly. It reminds me of the movie Joe Versus the Volcano when Tom Hanks is stuck at that really bad job.

I'm so ready to take this one down...



Our next small project will be to replace the blinds in the house. One of the first ones we need to replace is the kitchen. As you can see from these pictures we have a really old mini blind hanging and I'm thinking about a roller shade instead. I also need some ideas on how to use the wasted space on the windowsill. It's so big and right now it's not being used. Ideas? I thought about putting some baskets there but it may look too junky. Another idea would be to have it covered and padded.

Siding - what options are out there

So now I'm curious what the best way to go is with siding. We received one quote already for vinyl siding that was almost $9000 but we really don't know what other options are out there. I want something that will last and won't rot as easily. I also wonder what most people have. I did add Blue Vinyl to my list of movies to watch in Netflix and I'm sure it will have many bad things to say about vinyl siding just as Super Size Me made me never want to eat fast food again. *sigh*

Decisions, decisions. Of course we won't have the money for this until October so I have plenty of time to think about this.

EDIT: I think I like the hardiplanks so we'll try and have them requote

Vinyl siding - how much should it cost?

The third place is at the house now taking measurments for a vinyl siding estimate. Two others came out last week and we are still waiting to hear back on the quote. I have no earthly clue what to expect as far as the cost goes and I'm very anxious to hear the estimates.

Has anyone done this before? Any suggestions of tips? If you don't mind saying, how much did it cost you if you did this. We have a one story home and want a really light sage colored put on. I've heard good and bad things about vinyl but mostly good.

I'll cross my fingers that the amount will be something we can afford.

We also need a new roof and need estimates on that. Hmm, another thing to worry about the cost.

3 suggestions - Watch, Read, Listen

Watch - Planet Earth on the Discovery channel

Read - The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

Listen - Dustin Kensrue

The BBQ was a hit!

pasta bowls, originally uploaded by House on the Corner.

We had a wonderful weekend and it made me feel really proud of our home. There are tons of pictures of the house on my flickr account if anyone is interested. You can view them on the first few pages.

I also bought these beautiful pasta bowls and serving bowl with the rest of my birthday money. I can't wait to use them! My sisters will be coming over this Saturday to have an early Easter lunch. I really look forward to it.

We decided that our next home project will be the siding and trim on the house. I need to start looking at pictures of vinly siding and investigate the pros and cons. I also have no idea how much something like that will cost. I have three different companies coming over to give us an estimate. Wish us luck!