March 5, 2017
Writing about home improvements has me constantly on the lookout for ways to improve my own home. While it is just not feasible for me to tackle all of the projects I would like to, I tend to live vicariously…
February 26, 2017
Learning about homes and home projects is one of my favorite things to do. There is just something about getting a glimpse into the many possibilities that exist for making a house a home. Much of what I dream about…
February 19, 2017
I have always been amazed at how easily paint can transform a room. I love how the colors you choose can make a room feel calm and tranquil or fun and lively. What I don’t love, however, is how hard…
February 12, 2017
My family and I spend a lot of time outdoors. We enjoy running, hiking, swimming and going on family walks. When we go out for meals and we have the option to sit outside, we always take it (unless it’s…
February 5, 2017
The other day, while I was running, I felt an unwelcome but all too familiar scratch in my throat. Then, the shortness of breath started. I’ve had asthma my whole life, but it hasn’t affected me while running since I…
January 29, 2017
Every now and then, I come across a tool or an item that makes my imagination run wild with possibilities. That is what happened when I bought my first staple gun. I immediately began dreaming up (and carrying out) projects…
January 22, 2017
Perhaps it is related to my binge-watching home and garden television channels, but I truly enjoy visiting open houses. Seeing how others have outfitted their homes gives me ideas for what I can do with mine or what I can…
January 15, 2017
According to many Taylorism studies, doing the same part of a process over and over before moving on to the next part is the most efficient way of getting something done. For example, if you were to apply this to…
January 1, 2017
The month of January has always been one of new beginnings. I decided to try to implement new lifestyle changes, starting this month, such as cutting down on days of the week that I let myself indulge in unhealthy food…
December 25, 2016
They say that if you really want to learn something, teach it. It is through this column that I feel I have learned the most about how to improve the home — whether it is fixing a broken toilet or…
December 18, 2016
My father-in-law is one of those people who is nearly impossible to buy for. He has everything he needs, and is very particular when it comes to clothing. So this year, like many others, I have opted to give him…
December 11, 2016
My husband and I welcomed a sweet baby girl to our family less than two months ago. We are quickly learning that, unlike most of our scheduled, routine lives, the baby has no schedule. She has needs throughout the day…
December 4, 2016
Every year, I try to do what I can to cut down on unnecessary objects around the home and especially in the trash. This holiday season, I’m turning my efforts toward holiday décor. There are many household items that can…
November 27, 2016
People often ask me for contractor recommendations. I don’t often give them. I truly believe that when you are hiring a contractor, your personality and project specifics should be taken into account. Although it is a daunting task, there are…
November 20, 2016
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Give yourself something to be thankful for by maximizing the time you spend enjoying the day with family and friends. Take some of these tips for hosting with minimal cleanup. Plan ahead. Space tasks…
November 13, 2016
My friend, Grace, recently commented on how much she liked our wooden dining chairs. They are nothing fancy, but they are sturdy and classic. I eagerly told her all about how I purchased them at an estate sale for $20…
November 6, 2016
When I married Scott, I adopted his family traditions. One of my favorites: Decorating the house for a family member’s birthday. Each night before a birthday, while the birthday person is asleep, the other family members decorate. When the birthday…
October 30, 2016
Perhaps it is growing up, perhaps it is living in Hawaii, or perhaps it is because I have a baby on the way, but I cannot help but turn to natural solutions whenever possible. I have adopted kitchen staples like…
October 23, 2016
Recently, I’ve been drawing inspiration from my friend, Chelsea. With a little girl under two and a little boy on the way, she is the epitome of Super Woman. Chelsea works full-time and yet still manages to spend quality time…
October 16, 2016
Several years ago, while on assignment, I visited a large nursery, Sharon’s Plants, nestled in the back of Waimanalo. The nursery spanned more than 20 acres and the owner, Sharon, introduced me to plants I had never seen before. She…