Every year I plan one major renovation project. I try not to overwhelm myself so I just choose one. If you plan on living in your home awhile or selling it soon you want to make it more appealing. My major project this year is my garden. The space I have cleared for it is 50 ft by 50ft. It will also include a small green house. I've been planning this garden since last summer. Gardening is my new hobby to help me eat right and reduce stress. So I decided build a nice garden to relax, reflect, and drink wine with friends! I'll keep you all posted on my progress.

I want to encourage everyone to include at least one home improvement project in your plans of things you want to accomplish this year. As I stated above I wouldn't choose but 1 or 2. You can get an estimates from your local home improvement store to help you budget the cost. They will also give you the list of materials if you requested it. This list will include materials and pricing. And then you can watch the sales to see when you can buy something cheaper. Always add 5% onto your final cost for contingency; those unknown things that could happen. Not only will you add value to your home; you'll also feel empowered to something bigger the next time!

 This picture reminds me of my grandmother, MaryAnn Hicks. She was a widow that lived on a fixed income from SSI and VA Benefits. She could not afford to hire someone to repair everything. But one thing she did have was alot of time. She didn't have to go to work. So she took her time and did little by little. We would look through the newspaper looking for sales and good deals. We would also look for garage sales and store closings. I loved browsing the store for clearance items. Today we want everything done now! My grandmother didn't care if a project was not finished on time for holiday. The important thing is, "We're working on it!" She didn't feel her best everyday. So to take a day off to watch the Soaps and "Gun Smoke" was okay. I can remember the pride I felt when we completed a project that we had done ourselves. And she would point out how much money we saved. I didn't realize how important that was at the time. I do now! From gardening, quilting, cooking, and home repair; we did it! When you do home projects with your kids it gives them a sense of value and stewardship. I want to dedicate my first post in this section to my grandmother MaryAnn. She not only taught me but showed me that women do everything at home!