I went to the attic over the weekend trying to tidy up some stuff and what do you know as I turned the lock on the door it fell right my hands. It was then I was reminded that cheap items simply do not last; I learned my lesson and went ahead and got a Kwikset lock. I am no repairman but it was so easy to attach to my door.

About this time last year I decided to remodel my kitchen. I did all of it in 5 days while my wife was out of town at a conference with some of her co-workers. She came home and was completely surprised and shocked that I went through all of the trouble just to make her happy. I ordered some gorgeous floor tiles, new cabinets, new kitchen appliances, I put in a nice island in the middle of the kitchen with a cutting board surface on it for preparing meals and I ordered 3 new sets of pots and pans, brand new silverware, new lighting, just about anything you can think of. I really enjoy home improvement projects and wouldn’t mind taking on some home improvement jobs on the side.

Now that I finally invested in one of the Plasma mounts I found on sale, I’m staying home and watching a lot more TV. Just last month I paid close to two hundred dollars for a nice plasma wall mount that was very sturdy and I thought it was cool that it swiveled, tilted and even pan. I can’t say it was easy to set up but judging from the end result, it was all worth it.

I recently installed a new home alarm system for my girlfriend’s parents. A friend of mine works for a company that installs and sells alarm systems, so I was able to buy everything from them at wholesale price and install it myself. I don’t even have an alarm system on my own house, but now I think I’ll probably pick one up in the next month or so.

My grandfather is a carpenter. He builds many things for many people. I go with him whenever he needs to buy more supplies. One of the items he always seems to use a lot of is industrial clamps. He uses them on cabinets, counter tops and numerous other jobs he does. The come in many different sizes. He keeps some of all different sizes because each job is different and the size he needs depends on what type of job he is hired to do.

I recently purchased a new ranch style home. I have two children that spend each weekend with me, so I was trying to get moved and everything set up before the following weekend came, after I closed on the home. It was all new to me, and the children so I had already decided to buy a wireless security system, but had to check them out first to find out how they were installed and how they worked. I was not sure if they would function as well as the wired ones. I researched and read about many of them on the internet, then went to stores that specialized in them. I was shocked how well hidden they could be inside, and outside, our home. You can even have it hooked up to your computer to observe everything on it, at all times. It is very interesting how they work and makes us all feel very safe. A wireless security system is one of the best purchases I have ever made for any home I’ve lived in.

My girlfriend has been trying to get me to put up some new lighting in our dining room over the table where we eat most of the time. I went out today and looked at some nice chandeliers and I think I’ve found a couple that she would absolutely love. I don’t want to just take it upon myself to pick the chandelier out without getting her opinion, though. Hopefully she will like the ones I show her.

Last month I replaced our kitchen faucet after I found a good deal on home remodeling supplies at a local do-it-yourself home improvement store. I really enjoy getting my hands dirty and starting new projects. I ended up using a very nice Moen Monticello single handle kitchen faucet that comes out a little farther than standard faucets. It really makes it handy to wash bigger things like pots and pans and it dresses up the kitchen sink quite a bit. I’m happy with the results and love how the faucet looks.

In assisting my neighbor with the planning of the renovation of their bathrooms in their home, I learned so much. One thing I learned was how many different brands of products there were. It amazed both of us. We knew there were many, but not this many. The one we both agreed was the nicest in looks and quality in the way it was made, was the brand called Grohe. She ended up buying their bathroom faucets that were so unique and beautiful, for both bathrooms. She also bought different towel holders for each bathroom that were the same brand. When I remodel our home, I am going to definitely shop for Grohe brand items.

My parents purchased a new home last year. They used to have a very small yard and no patio. Now they have a large yard and a patio and upper deck in the back. They also have a very nice front porch. This is the first time, for years, that they are able to have a nice flower garden. When purchasing their new home, I held a house warming party for them. Since they are older and have so much already, nobody knew what to buy them. I suggested some nice garden decor since they were so excited to be able to have a garden now. It was unbelievable how many different garden decorations and supplies that they received. They now have a beautiful garden in their front, side and back yard.