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What’s Your Design Style?

September 20, 2006

I found a fun quiz called, “What’s Your Style?,” on the HGTV web site. According to HGTV, the secret to creating a gorgeous home is to let your individual personality shine through in the decor. This little test will help inspire you! It only takes about five minutes to complete.

I, of course, just took the quiz and my design style is “sweet.” This means my tastes are most suited to English Country, Romantic (see picture to right), Tuscan and Cottage styles. Well, I’m not sure I totally agree, but you take the test and let us know how accurate your results turn out.

Written by Nicole · Filed Under Family | Leave a Comment 

Announcing. . .New SharpMom Weekly Poll

September 19, 2006

One thing I love about the Fall, is a brand new season of TV shows! I’d like to know what all the SharpMoms are watching. Please vote in the new weekly poll:

What’s your favorite primetime show?

  • Boston Legal
  • CSI
  • Desperate Housewives
  • Grey’s Anatomy
  • Lost

If you’ve been reading my site, you know that Grey’s Anatomy is my top pick, but I want to hear about what you like!! Results coming soon!

Written by Nicole · Filed Under Family | Leave a Comment 

Ever Built a House Before?

September 17, 2006

home construction

Summer vacation is over.

The kids are back to school.

I’m supposed to be taking a break.

So, what did I go and do? Decide to build a new house (well, I’m not actually building it–there are people that do that part)! I’m just making hundreds of design choices and they haven’t even poured the foundation yet!

It’s really very exciting. We got the new house bug over the Summer and started looking around. And, once you do that, it’s all over. You get sucked in and then, boom; you are building a new house!

This is actually something we’ve been planning for several years; it just goes fast once you get started.

So, it’s important that you go into it really prepared. Here’s some advice:

  • Set a budget. Do this before you start looking and stick with it. There is a house for you out there in your budget. Don’t give up! But, be sure to factor in the base price to build the house as well as lots of money for upgrades. When you build a home, everything is an upgrade it seems.
  • Make a wish list and prioritize it. Determine what you must have, i.e. four bedrooms, a game room, etc. and then make your “nice to have” list. These are the things you could live without to keep you in your budget.
  • Use a realtor. People will tell you that you don’t need a realtor if you are building a home; you can just work with the builder directly. But, I disagree. Having a realtor saved us a lot of time. They have tons of information on the various areas, builders’ reputations, school districts, etc. And, I believe we got a better price by having our realtor negotiate than we would have received on our own.

Building a house can be very stressful, but it should be fun. By going into it prepared and really knowing what you want, you will enjoy the process much more.

Watch for many more house building stories to come!

Written by Nicole · Filed Under Family | Leave a Comment 

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