The Dedicated House

Before and After Wednesday

2013-06-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello World! Today's Before and After is from Rea who can be found at
Home for 4 Sweet Home. Let's see what she has been up to.

Gold is back! Look at this golden goddess! Let's see the before.

It wasn't bad, but I really like her all dressed up in gold.

She's so glamorous now! Beautiful job Rea. To see more and to get the details, scoot on over to Home for 4 Sweet Home.

If you have any before and after projects that you would love to get featured, email them to thededicatedhouse@gmail.com and in the subject line, please put Before and After Wednesday. It can be any before and after: gardening, furniture redo, room makeover, complete renovation, sewing repurpose. Anything with a before and after.

***Also, start sending all of your holiday before and afters. For example: wreath creations, centerpieces, decor. Just make sure there is a before pic of the "naked piece" (naked table to fabulous tablescape, naked Christmas tree to decked out beauty, naked wreath to beautiful filled in wreath)...you get the picture. I'm compiling a file for the upcoming holidays so that we have a ton of inspiration to see us through the seasons on Before and After Wednesday.***

Make it Pretty Monday has some great inspiration. Click here to go check it out. And, don't forget about the Anything Blue Friday party. Any shade of blue and it doesn't have to be in every picture. I've kept the party open so more blue inspiration can be added. Click here to go to Anything Blue Friday.

Thank you for dropping by for a visit! Have a lovely rest of the day and remember to be kind to one another! Fear Not!

Toodles,
Kathryn

Sharing this at these lovely parties:

InLinkz.com
Crafts a la Mode.

All Things Roof

2013-06-18T19:46:00.000-05:00

Hello World! This post is dedicated to the all important roof. Roofs are expensive and a necessity. This is a review for, you guessed it, a roofing company.

We have been quite fortunate and have yet to replace a roof. We did lose a couple of shingles when Hurricane Ike blew through. It was a pretty easy fix. The Dedicated Husband replaced them himself and helped out several of our neighbors who also lost some shingles. It was very minimal damage and was so easy to repair. We were very blessed to have such little damage. Others in and around our neighborhood were not so fortunate. All around town you would see the blue tarps indicating major roof damage.

My friends up North have other things to contend with in regards to their roofing problems. Snow and ice can do quite a bit of damage in addition to high winds and hail. Toiture Montreal is a great company that can help meet the roofing needs of those in and around the Montreal area. Réparation Toit Montréal not only replaces roofs, but they also do repairs to extend the life of roofs.

How is the health of your roof? It's always good to keep an eye on our roofs to make sure they are doing their job.

Thanks for popping in to take a look. Have a happy week and remember to be kind to one another! Fear Not!

Toodles,
Kathryn

***The Dedicated House was compensated for this review.***

A House and Its Plumbing

2013-06-18T09:14:00.000-05:00

Hello World! Before I get started I want to tell you a wee bit of news. Remember about 3 weeks back when we ordered couches? Well, they are being delivered today! The big green leather sectional was moved to the upstairs gameroom and the family room has been cleared out and the carpet cleaned to welcome the new furniture! Expect to see pictures this weekend. Okay, on to today's topic...plumbing.

Has anyone ever had to call a plumber out to their house? I've owned two houses and rented 3 others and have fortunately never had to call a plumber. But, what a important service they provide. We are all so dependent on the water in our houses. The ice maker, water from the fridge, water for our needs like washing our clothes, hands, and bodies. Then there's the toilet and of course the hot water heater.

Picture this, your in the shower singing away and all of a sudden your hot water has gone definitely lukewarm then to cold. No fun. That's when you could call hot water heating Calgary to get that hot water heater singing right along with you.

Then there is the more common clogged drain. You've tried everything you can possibly think of, but to no avail. This is when the guys and gals from ClearView Plumbing Calgary would be called to help you out.

I'm so happy that we haven't had to call a plumber out. But, I think it might be time just to do an all around check and make sure all the water in the house is flowing the way it should.

Thanks for popping in to take a look. Have a pretty day and remember to be kind to one another! Fear Not!

Toodles,
Kathryn

***The Dedicated House was compensated for this review.***

Make it Pretty Monday - Week 54

2013-06-17T16:49:00.000-05:00

Hello World! Well, we had another busy weekend. My nephew, Grant had his 13th birthday party on Friday night where The Dedicated Daughter got to show off her very new swimming skills. Saturday night, we went to a housewarming party for some friends that just recently got married and moved into a lovely home. Then of course, yesterday was Father's Day which included a late lunch at one of my husband's favorite seafood restaurants followed up by shoe shopping for him and me. So sorry for the late start of the party. So, let's get to it. Welcome to Week 54 of:

Make it Pretty Monday

My Favorite

Pretty Sherry found a reproduction pail and applied a pure milk decal to mimic ones that go for thousands. Sherry and her pail can be found at No Minimalist Here.

Make it Pretty Monday

Craft Queen

Pretty Noreen shared with us how to make our very own Patriotic Postage Stamp Magnets. Head on over to Crafty Journal to get the tutorial.

Make it Pretty Monday

Shopping Queen

Pretty Heather hit the mother load! Such a gasp worthy post. Pop on over to
Tatter and Fray to see all the wonder.

Make it Pretty Monday

Furniture Transformation Queen

Pretty Lisa...I kinda want this! Simply stunning. To see more, scoot on over to
Create Inspire.

Make it Pretty Monday

Sewing Queen

Pretty Rachel made this so sweet Matilda Top. To get the pattern, head on over to
Once Upon a Sewing Machine.

Make it Pretty Monday

Culinary Delight Queen

Pretty Beth shared her recipe of Orange Marmalade Balsamic Chicken. Doesn't this look delish? To get the recipe, hop on over to The First Year Blog.

Make it Pretty Monday

Dessert Queen

The Pretty Pin Junkie shared with us an all-time Summer favorite, Cherry Cobbler. Scoot on over to The Pin Junkie to get the recipe.

Make it Pretty Monday

DIY Queen

Pretty Susan created this fantastic kids command center! I wish I had some wall space in the kitchen to do this. Pop on over to Achieving Creative Order to take a look.

Make it Pretty Monday

Tablescape Queen

Pretty Nici shared this lovely Under the Sea Tablescape. Head on over to Posed Perfection to see more of the prettiness.

Make it Pretty Monday

Home Decor Queen

Pretty Lisa gave her laundry room a makeover to the tune of $30.00. I love the sign. To see more, scoot on over to

Lewisville Love.

Make it Pretty Monday

Summer Decor Queen

Pretty Shannah...how cute is this? I love it! I need more time...don't we all. Pay a visit to Just Us Four to check it out.

Make it Pretty Monday

Gardening Queen

Pretty Christine gave us a little tour around her garden. To walk the garden, head on over to Rustic & Refined.

If you were featured, please grab a feature button.

Here are a few guidelines to follow:
1. Link up anything Family friendly...DIY, decor, crafts, recipes, gardening, shopping finds, sewing, furniture transformations. inspirational stories, and beautiful photography. 2. If you are participating in Make it Pretty Monday, be sure to link up your "permalink" post and not your general blog address. 3. No etsy shops, giveaways and no sponsor pages. I might have a separate party for those when I see how well this one goes. 4. Please grab my button below, or have a link back to my blog so everyone can enjoy the party! No Link Back, No Feature. Boo.
5. Please become a follower of The Dedicated House.
6. Be sure to visit at least two of the other pretties at the party. Show them some love and let them know you popped in for a visit. You know how we all love comments. Have a wonderful week and remember to be kind to one another! Fear Not!
Toodles,
Kathryn

Sunday Showcase from Make it Pretty Monday

2013-06-16T23:01:00.002-05:00

Hello World! Happy Father's Day! Sorry for the late post; we've had quite the whirlwind of a weekend. And, just to let you know, tomorrow's Make it Pretty will probably not start on time. But, it will start...I'm just not sure when. Anyhoo, welcome to the:

4th Place for Most Views

from Make it Pretty Monday

Pretty Kathy, Sweet Lord, this is gorgeous! To see the before and more beautiful after pictures, head on over to A Delightsome Life.

3rd Place for Most Views

from Make it Pretty Monday

Pretty Meg has been out hunting for storage solutions and the above is just one of the beauties she scored. To see her haul, scoot on over to My Vintage Life.

2nd Place for Most Views

from Make it Pretty Monday

Pretty Susan...what a stunner! Such a lovely piece and a great color. Pay a visit to
Uniquely Yours...or Mine! to see more.

1st Place for Most Views

from Make it Pretty Monday

Pretty Marsha gave us a little peek into her friend's lovely home. I love this kitchen. Pop on over to Every Little Birdie to see more of this pretty home.

Congrats on being the fan favorites! Feel free to grab a feature button for your blog.

You sweet, little lovelies will be on my Sunday Showcase Pinterest board; pinned from your site of course. In addition, you will be on my Facebook page and Hometalk page with credit given to you under each photo with a link back to your blog!
Thanks for popping in to take a look! See you guys sometime tomorrow for Make it Pretty Monday. Have a great rest of the evening and remember to be kind to one another! Fear Not!
Toodles,
Kathryn

Anything Blue Friday - Week 13

2013-06-14T10:26:00.000-05:00

Hello World! Sorry for the late start on the party. These swimming lessons every day at the pool are wiping me out. I've already gone through one bottle of sunscreen. Anyhoo, welcome to Week 13 of:

Anything Blue Friday

My Favorite

There is nothing I like better than toile napkins. Pay a visit to Refresh Renew to see this lovely outdoor table.

Anything Blue Friday

Your Favorite

This blue little beauty was a curbside find. I'm amazed at some of the things people throw away. Pop on over to Debbie-Dabble to see more pretty pictures of her garden.

Anything Blue Friday

Blue Goodness #1

The ever perfect blue and white combination. Scoot on over to Days at Buttermilk Cottage to see more.

Anything Blue Friday

Blue Goodness #2

Sweet mama, I love this. Head on over to

Uniquely Yours...or Mine! to see the before and more lovely after pictures.

Anything Blue Friday

Blue Goodness #3

Oh, yeah! This is fantastic. You must go over to Urban Den to see the before and check out the brass polishing tutorial.

If you were featured, please grab a feature button for your blog.

Here are a few guidelines to follow:
1. Link up anything (family friendly) blue. 2. Follow The Dedicated House. 3. Please grab my button below, or have a link back to my blog so everyone can enjoy the party! No Link Back, No Feature. Boo.
4. Be a social butterfly and have fun. We're off to go buy some swim goggles. Have a lovely weekend and remember to be kind to one another! Fear Not!
Toodles,
Kathryn

Summer Home Improvement Projects for the Kids

2013-06-13T19:30:00.000-05:00

What a great list of ideas to help keep our little ones busy and definitely not bored this summer. I already have two projects that I'm going to enlist help from the wee one. We have plans to paint the master bedroom and master bathroom and the back flower beds need some serious weeding. We will also be stopping by our local garden center and let her pick out some flowers since she loves it when the butterflies and hummingbirds stop by our hibiscus plants and our lantana. She loves seeing them and it makes me happy to see her so excited when we have little visitors to our flower gardens. It will give her such a sense of accomplishment and it would make us so proud to see her taking an interest in her home and yard. She is at the perfect age where housework and yard work are a ton of fun for her and she's curious to learn. So, look around your house and garden and see if there are any projects the children in your life will be able to help you out with.

Thank you for stopping in for a visit. Have a wonderful rest of the evening and remember to be kind to one another! Fear Not!

Toodles,
Kathryn

Air Specialist

2013-06-13T18:30:00.000-05:00

Hello World! I believe it was Monday morning; I came in from running errands and the house was hot. I mean, hot! We are already reaching the upper 90's here in Texas so this was not a great feeling to walk into the house and realize the air conditioning was not working. Nothing. The fan to the air conditioner wasn't even running. I couldn't even get the fan to turn on. No air conditioner power, no fan, no cool air....nothing but heat and it was only going to get hotter.

I so wanted to be able to go to the thermostat, turn it down and have the unit kick on. But, alas, no it was not to be. Thank goodness we have an air conditioner repairman that is super good and completely reliable. He has helped my Mom out when her air conditioner decided to not cool efficiently. So, I gave him a call thinking he wouldn't be able to come out to the house until later in the week. I was all geared up to spend the week sweating profusely. Thank goodness we were going to be spending the majority of the week at the pool so that The Dedicated Daughter can go to her swim lessons. But, we couldn't sleep at the pool. Fortunately he came out that afternoon and got us sitting pretty again in cool air. Nothing major at all. Just a little short that was not letting the unit turn on.

Air climatisation Montréal par Air Spécialiste is a reliable source for all of my friends way up north. In case you end up in the same situation I found myself in on Monday, they would be your go to source to get you sitting pretty in nice cool air again.

Thanks for popping in to take a look. Have a wonderful evening and remember to be kind to one another! Fear Not!

Toodles,
Kathryn

Before and After Wednesday

2013-06-12T09:12:00.000-05:00

Hello World! There is not much to say about today's Before and After except, WOW!
Red Hot, Baby!

This is the work of Shanna who is the mastermind behind Restoration Redoux. Let's see the plain Jane before.

Nothing special, maybe even a little boring.

This painted lady isn't boring anymore. She's ready for her

close-up.

Even from the side she's beautiful.

Nothing but a looker now! To see more, head on over to Restoration Redoux and give Shanna some love.

I'm off to take the young one to swim lessons. Have a pretty rest of the day and remember to be kind to one another! Fear Not!

Toodles,
Kathryn

Sharing this with these lovely parties:

InLinkz.com

Crafts a la Mode

Soft and Strong - I'm a Believer

2013-06-12T07:01:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of White Cloud for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Recently my family was asked to sample White Cloud Luxuriously Soft Bath Tissue! My family has used the same brand of toilet tissue for years. Every once in a while, we'll branch out and try a different brand to try and save a little money. However, we always end up going back to the brand we've used for years since none of the other brands really lived up to our expectations. That is, until now. We used White Cloud for a week and were pleasantly surprised at how soft it is. I thought, okay this is super soft, but will it be strong enough? Yes, yes, and yes it is! It is super absorbant as well. We normally go through 6 rolls of toilet tissue in a week, the three of us combined. With White Cloud, we went through 3 1/2 rolls. Check out my little quick video of my White Cloud experience.

I know, I'm a dork. But, seriously I couldn't get over how soft and strong White Cloud Luxuriously Soft Bath Tissue is. White Cloud has officially dethroned our old toilet paper and is now reigning supreme in our house!

White Cloud makes premium paper products without the premium price! White Cloud is exclusively sold at Walmart. Click here: Find White Cloud products near you.

Also, my sweets, the White Cloud Facebook page will have a coupon up for this new product starting on June 10th. Like White Cloud on Facebook Get your little happy selves over to their Facebook page to print off your $1.00 coupon in savings.

Be sure to Follow White Cloud on Twitter.

Thanks for dropping in for a visit! Have a pretty day and remember to be kind to one another! Fear Not!

Toodles,

Kathryn