The Underdog needs some major electrical upgrades.  When Handy Hubby discovered that fishing new wiring between the cinder block and plaster of the exterior walls was nearly impossible, the plaster came down to allow for easier access.  Since then, HH has been busy framing up all those naked block walls with 2″x2″ treated lumber.  Well, actually they are ripped 2″x4″s.  HH was appalled by the realization that 2″x2″s cost over $3 each while 2″x4″s were priced less than $2 each.  To save money {which usually means ‘to make more work and add time to the project’}, HH bought the 2″x4″s at the lesser cost and decided to rip them in half into 2″x2″s with his table saw. Essentially, he got two 2″x2″s from each 2″x4″ {after cutting them in half longways} bringing the cost of each 2″x2″ to 95¢ – well below the $3 off-the-shelf price tag.  Gotta love Handy Hubby.

So, he’s been putting in long hours measuring, cutting and framing the past few weeks.  Here’s his progress…

With a heat index over 100°F most days, HH was sweating his you-know-what’s off working in the unair-conditioned Underdog.  That is, until someone with a little more common sense {ahem, me} mentioned cranking up the A/C unit in the window left by the previous owner.

HH defended his decision not to turn the window unit by saying he was afraid of what nasty stuff might blow out of it.  But after talking to a neighbor, he learned that the unit hadn’t been run at all in the last few years.  Sure enough, when HH checked the filter it looked brand new.  And that’s pretty much the only ‘brand new’ thing we’ve found in the Underdog. Handy Hubby finally gave in and turned on the A/C.  Although it’s not powerful enough to really cool the entire house, HH was feeling more comfortable.  It was one of those, “See, I told you so” moments for me.

Anyhow, with framing underway, our cousin-in-law/electrician has started running new electric and cutting holes for overhead lighting…inside and outside.

In other news, the contractor we hired to manufacture and install the ridge beam that will support the roof above the vaulted ceilings in the great room started work this week.  Contractor?!  I know. That sounds professional.  I do feel a little hoity toity just typing it.  But creating and installing a major support beam is beyond our DIY skills and it would be very stupid and irresponsible of us to think otherwise.  That means HH has been home in the evenings this week for the first time in a long time.  The boys and I have really enjoyed eating dinner with him.

So, that’s the latest and greatest on the Underdog.  HH and I have been trying to nail down flooring {metaphorically speaking, not literally} for the house.  There are so many options that it’s difficult to choose just one or two!  But we’re having fun looking at all the different tiles, engineered wood, and concrete stains.  I’ll let you know what we decide!

images:  Dana Miller for House*Tweaking

The Inside Source is eBay’s digital style magazine.  It’s a curated collection of what’s hot in fashion, home and garden, and pop culture based on proprietary data provided by eBay.  In other words, they take all that stuff on eBay and show you how to use and enjoy it.

Imagine my surprise when one of the online magazine’s contributors asked me to participate in an article featuring items recycled and incorporated into interior design!  The article, Recycling: Not just for Empties, compiles a variety of reused items – from pallets to fish nets – and shows how they were reinterpreted as home decor.

{Love that pallet daybed!}

My church pew turned porch bench is featured in the article if you want to check it out…along with a bunch of other great ideas.  Words can’t describe how honored I am to be included in the round-up.  It has me itching to get back to DIY design after several months of focusing on the marketing and sale of our home by owner.  Handy Hubby and I just discussed a future DIY project that we have in store for the Underdog and I am super excited about it!  I’ll give you a hint…it involves the placement of our flatscreen TV.

Thanks for the mention, Marni!

images:  1-3) The Inside Source  4)  Dana Miller for House*Tweaking