Low Voltage Ceiling Lights

I love my kitchen ceiling. It has those halogen lights that Candice Olson always talks about. 

In fact, she is the reason why I requested them, even though we don't live in Canada (a quick shout out to all the Canucks out there). Canada has some GREAT bloggers! Here are additional views of the ceiling

 

The chandelier was an e-bay find for 35 dollars.

 

ceiling could use a little caulk

Recently a few of the halogen bulbs burnt out. I could not, for the life of me, figure out how to change the bulb. Twist? Pull? Thank goodness for YouTube, or should I say Jeff! He showed me the light

I hope your day is a bright one.

Spring Cleaning for a Cause

Over the past several days I have tried to prioritize my projects. In fact, as I search around the blogdom, I realize that this a common problem. However, is this really a problem, or is it a luxury? Hear me out, like anything in life, there are many people who wish they had this problem. Piles of fabric waiting to be sewn, pieces of furniture waiting to be re-purposed, all kinds of objects with unlimited potential; having "stuff" is a luxury. A luxury that can make you crazy at times. Perhaps even feeling overwhelmed.

So, when the charity yard sale for Joan's Joy was brought to my attention, I figured this was a sign.;-) I donated all kinds of potential projects. Here is a glimpse at some of my former loot

 An unfinished chair from the U.K

 

An upholstered storage bench

A tufted vanity bench and cool galvanized box

A sweet pair of vintage paint-by-numbers prints

 

Some of this great fabric, and much more.

The yard sale is not until May 21st & 22nd. So, If you live in the Northern New Jersey area and would like to donate something, give Joan's Joy a call. Otherwise, maybe you could find a charity in your area to take some of those "potential projects" off your hands. Besides, now I have room for new projects!

Happy Tuesday!

ECR International Boiler (update)

Here is the latest update about ECR International in regards to my heating system; On Monday (3/28) I was contacted by ECR International and told that they would have a long term solution by Friday (4/1). Since it is Saturday, I can only assume that the additional bad weather in the Northeast delayed the good news until Monday?

So, while I wait with you, I have been reliving all the events leading up to this. This is the part that makes it really scary for a homeowner:

My first Dunkirk boiler was installed in 2007. Here is my experience;
June 25th (2007) Dunkirk boiler system FAILED (each failure left us without heat and hot water)
July 13th - System FAILED
July 14th - System FAILED
July 16th - System FAILED
July 17th - System FAILED
October 5th - System FAILED

Here is the strange part; a person came to my home and said that he was a representative from the manufacturer. I asked for a business card, and was never provided with one. I also requested ALL manufacturers' warranties and product specifications...guess it's still in the mail?

This person was able to get a replacement boiler from the manufacturer. He SUPERVISED and ASSISTED in the installation of the SECOND boiler, and was the person who told me that my first boiler had a hairline crack (the reason for all of the malfunctions). THE SECOND BOILER FAILED 3x's within the first year!

My question to all of you readers, and I know many of you are men with lots of experience in the field (HVAC/plumbing/remodeling/radiant floor heating), who was the guy that came to my house? Why did the SECOND system fail 3x's in the FIRST year? I'm sure all of this will be answered on Monday.

One more facinating fact about "YOU"; according to the statistical counters on this blog, you are from the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, India, the United Kingdom and Germany! Welcome!

The Dunkirk Boiler (con't)

Hello Friends, thank you for all of your interest in my heating system that I spoke about in this post. Here is where I am at today, I have been contacted by the company. As always, I will keep you posted.

DO NOT BUY A DUNKIRK Heating System

Hi Friends, I know that many of you are remodeling and renovating your homes. We are always looking for good tips and advice. Here is MINE, This system

Is WORTHLESS. You may be told it is "state of the art", for me, it is JUNK! In 2007 it was installed in my home.....it has been noting but problems, and there is noting I can do about it, but sink more money into it!
Take another look

 

The entire system was replaced within the first few months, apparently it had a minor crack that prevented it from working properly? The second system worked long enough for all suspects involved to "tweak" it into low satisfaction for 1 year. You guessed it, no more warranty! In January, I had enough. I contacted the rep.....have you heard from him? Tell EVERYONE you know to stay away from this company.

My Mecox Gardens House Plant

A few postings ago, I was inspired by Mecox Gardens. After a trip to HomeGoods, the Pet store, and Michaels, I was ready to give it a go. First, an interesting container from HomeGoods

Next, some charcoal from the aquarium section at the local pet store

 

That's what I learned from reading the library book I talked about in my Terrarium post, and one of the reasons my first attempt failed. Next, some decorative crushed shells and gravel

 

Assemble everything, and you have 

A beautiful houseplant! I love the crushed shells

If anyone has some lovely houseplant arrangements they would like to share, I would be happy to post them.

Happy Planting!