Decisions, Explanations & a Discussion (On Loans, Remodeling, and Social Issues)

Good morning, all! My brain is feeling kind of scattered today, and there’s quite a bit I want to say. So I’ll just dive right in. 🙂

First, you’ll remember a few days ago that I wrote a post about just wanting to get the big things at the house DONE, and even taking out a loan to do so. Remember that? I was talking about going ahead and jumping right in with the front porch/front exterior remodel, which would take the front of our house from this…

…to this, except with a more traditional style rather than a craftsman style…

And which would extend the back of our house from this…

…to this…

Well, that whole plan — the idea of getting the loan and getting it done NOW rather than later — is a no-go. Matt and I have had many conversations about it, and at first he was on board. Then as the days passed, he became less convinced that taking out a loan was a good idea. And then a couple of days later, he said he definitely didn’t feel comfortable with taking out such a big loan right now…or probably ever.

Matt and I just aren’t “debt” kind of people. We’ve worked hard to become mostly “cash only” people who live well within our means. And now that we not only have a mortgage, but also a new car loan, he just doesn’t want us getting back into the habit of continually taking on more and more debt and living outside of our means for the sake of instant gratification. We lived like that when we were newly married, and it got us into trouble. We learned the hard way that debt can get out of hand very quickly if you’re not paying attention, and financial stress caused by getting in over your head with debt can feel suffocating and hopeless. We don’t ever want to go through that again.

So we’re back to Plan A — save up and pay for it in cash. Or somewhere along the way, we may feel comfortable with some mixture of Plan A (pay cash) and Plan B (get a loan). Perhaps after we pay my car off and pay down more of the mortgage, we’ll feel okay about taking out a loan for part of the remodel, and then paying cash for the rest. Who know? All I know is that for now, I just need to be patient and wait. I have plenty to keep me busy for now. 🙂

But I do need to clarify something…

In that blog post that I wrote a few days ago on this topic, as I read the comments, I got the distinct impression that many of you thought that the big remodels — both on the front exterior/front porch, as well as the add on to the back of the house — were originally going to be DIY projects, and now I had decided to forgo the DIY process and hire it out instead.

Well, y’all must have a great deal of faith in my DIY abilities if you thought I was ever planning to tackle those massive remodels/add-ons as DIY projects! 😀

To be clear, neither the front porch extension/front exterior remodel, nor the back add-on/remodel, were EVER going to be DIY projects. I mean, we’re talking about some major and massive construction that requires crews of people doing everything from pouring footers for a new foundation, to framing an entire new extension of the house, to tying in current roof structures with new roof structures, and electrical, and plumbing. It requires building permits, city plan approvals, and city inspections of the work.

That’s major construction, and from the very beginning, the plan was always to hire that out. I would never in my life take on such a massive project as a DIY project.

The only issue at hand when I wrote that post was that I wanted to scrap Plan A (save up and pay in cash), and I wanted to move on to Plan B (take out a loan and do it NOW). That was it. 🙂 It wasn’t a matter of DIYing it vs. hiring it out.

What I will be doing is all of the finishing and decorating, just like I’ve been doing in the other rooms of this house. I’ll be doing any trim, building/installing cabinets, flooring, tiling, etc. In other words, once they build the “shell” for me and get all of the electrical and plumbing done, I want to take over from there. There will still be plenty for me to DIY and get my hands dirty with at that point.

And a second point of clarification… 🙂

I mentioned something about being done with DIY for the sake of DIY. I simply meant that I don’t want to spend time on temporary projects that I know will be torn down or replaced. I really want to focus my energy and money on things that I know will stick around for the long haul. So rather than spending time this summer putting lipstick on a pig by painting the front exterior of my house, and coming up with temporary solutions for dressing up my ugly front porch — things that will eventually be replaced when we hire out the front porch/front exterior remodel — I might instead put that time and money into setting up my workshop in the garage.

In no way am I getting burned out on DIY. I love it. I thrive on it. I just want to focus on permanent solutions, and not waste time and money on temporary, lipstick-on-a-pig solutions. Make sense? 🙂


Now I want to move on to a topic I don’t even want to bring up, but after the last couple of days, I feel like I need to say something. And no, this probably isn’t going in a direction you might expect. 🙂

I don’t have much time to just sit and read DIY/decorating blogs. I love them, but I can’t keep up with my favorites, so its a rare treat when I can sit down and read through and get caught up.

So yesterday, I did just that. I clicked to one, wanting to read about fluff like painting walls and arranging furniture, and instead I sat and read a post about horrific events that have occurred in this country over the last week or so, along with that blogger’s thoughts about those events.

I clicked to another blog…similar thing, but much shorter.

I clicked to another one, and was enjoying a lighthearted post, and then at the end…BAM…thoughts on racism.

I clicked to another one, and found a post about the two men shot by police this last week, racism, and other social issues.

I sat there thinking, “Aren’t these decorating/DIY blogs? I wanted to turn my brain off, tune out the world for a little while, and just focus on fluff and nonsense.”

And then the thought occurred to me — if this is the norm on decorating/DIY blogs (and probably cooking blogs, fashion blogs, mommy blogs, etc.), what the heck are people thinking of me since I NEVER address these things? I mean, in the wake of a tragic event, whether it’s a man being shot on the street by a police officer or a sniper taking out five police officers just 90 miles north of me, or a crazed madman gunning down people in a night club, I still come here and talk about upholstery and paint.

Are people thinking, “Wow, that Kristi sure is insensitive! Doesn’t she realize there are more important issues right now than her stupid upholstered chairs?! Does she have ice water running through her veins?”

I can assure you that my silence here on these issues and events doesn’t mean that I don’t feel these things just as deeply as you do. But my blog, as the name would suggest, is a DIY and decorating blog. That’s it, and I don’t ever want to turn it into anything else.

We are so inundated every single day with news and commentary on current events and social issues, from the 24-hour-a-day corporate news on TV, to the tens of thousands of news websites and political/social/current events blogs filled with articles, editorials, commentaries, and reader comments, to Youtube videos and channels dedicated to those topics and commentary, to Facebook and other social media filled with more of the same. It seems we can’t escape it, even for a few minutes of mental and emotional relaxation.

It’s everywhere. There’s no shortage of it. And if you want to discuss, debate, share your thesis on social issues, hurl insults, call the opposing side names, etc., there are thousands upon thousands of places online where one can engage in that activity. You don’t have to look far. You can probably just click over to your Facebook wall and find plenty of opportunity.

But the last thing I want to do is bring that here. You do not need me, on my decorating blog, to tell you that it’s a tragedy when someone is shot dead in the street. You don’t need me sharing my thoughts about a sniper murdering five cops on the streets of Dallas. You don’t need me dedicating a post to lives lost in a mass shooting in a night club. You don’t need me waxing philosophical on the topic of racism. You don’t need me sharing a “this is where I was, what I was doing, and how it affected me” post on 9/11. You don’t need me adding one more voice to the millions upon millions that are already out there….

Especially not on a decorating blog.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that those other bloggers shouldn’t write those posts. Not at all. Those are their blogs, and they should feel free to share whatever they want to share.

I just sometimes get weary by the fact that when tragedy strikes, or injustice is seen in the nation, everyone with any kind of platform with any kind of audience feels the need to wax philosophical on that topic, regardless of what that platform is or what it was originally intended for. Cooking blog? No problem…I need to share my thoughts about racism.. Fashion blog? Not today…because you need to hear my thesis on police violence. DIY blog? Maybe tomorrow, because right now I need to acknowledge that lives were lost and talk about my thoughts on LGBT issues.

Ugh…

No. Not on my blog. Not now. Not ever. I am a DIY/decorating blogger. No one needs my thoughts or opinions on any other topic. My silence on this blog about issues and events doesn’t mean that I’m not feeling them as deeply as you are. It just means that this isn’t the place for those topics and conversations.

I’m a DIY/decorating blogger, and this is where I talk about DIY projects and decorating. And if anything, perhaps my place and my purpose in the midst of these sad, tragic events is to offer a place where people can just check out for a few minutes — just put the world on hold and give your mind a rest for a bit while you enjoy a bit of fluff and nonsense that might hopefully be a tiny respite in the midst of sadness, tragedy and chaos. I think we all need that from time to time.

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114 Comments

  1. Dear Kristi, I’m a long time reader/ this is my first comment ever.

    Thank you for this post. This is the first intelligent response about tragedy I have read in a long time.

    1. I AGREE…. It’s all that’s on.. My man watches non stop, thank goodness I have Kristi’s blog to look at…!!!

    2. Totally agree! How REFRESHING! I read decorating blogs for DECORATING/DIY etc. I love this blog!!! For an old lady you make me feel like I can do anything. Too bad my body says otherwise 😀😀😀

  2. I think you’re spot on with not commenting about political/social issues. You’re right, I come to my decor and DIY and Mom blogs for fun and ideas and inspiration. I can get the rest literally everywhere else on the internet right now.

  3. Hi Kristi, I am looking for a drafting program to map out my house. Took a college course in autocad many years ago…. anyway, I am not interested in 3D or spending a fortune for software that will become obsolete. Do you have any recommendations?

    1. I have a Mac and use Live Interior 3D Standard. I am really quite a novice at it but think that if I did it more, I would improve. It is only $20 from the Apple Store. Hope this helps.

      Thank you Kristi for not chiming in on the tragedies of the day. I need a break from all that crap now and then and really look forward to your blog posts. You are a bright ray of sunshine in a sometimes dark and dismal world. Keep the decorating coming!

    2. Try Sketchup! It’s a free 3D modeling program that’s really user friendly. And you can download the sister program, appropriately named Smustard, which has all kinds of standard #D furniture and fixtures that you can put in. You can even set it up to do walking tours when it’s complete.

  4. Thank you for this post! I agree, with you 100%. God bless you and Matt; my husband and I are debt free to (except our mortgage)which is a fantastic feeling. Thank you for setting an example with regard to current events. News is news, but decorating feeds the soul. Thank you for feeding mine on a regular basis!

    1. I agree Robbyn, decorating feeds the soul. I think Kristi’s right as well. We need somewhere to see something beautiful, thoughtful and resourceful, a retreat from all the ugly stuff out in the world.

  5. I think there are plenty of bloggers out there weighing in on our social tragedies of the day, and not to minimize their efforts or the impact of those tragic events, I for one appreciate that you don’t comment on them. Social media sometimes makes me feel like I’m drowning in tragedy, I love reading your blog and being able to step away from it.

    1. Well, said. I completely agree. I love that Kristi dedicates her time on her blog to DIY/Decorating, etc. and not social issues. It is a wonderful escape! We have so much sadness and tragedy, it’s nice to know that I can escape it for a little bit.

  6. Thank you for keeping your posts strictly to DIY/Decorating. I’ve had to delete so may posts on facebook from everyone wanting everyone to know how they feel. I’ve even deleted a couple and unfollowed several.

  7. I completely agree! First, regarding waiting to renovate rather than take out a loan (smart financial decisions always win in the end), and secondly on addressing certain events on blogs that aren’t related. While you run your blog and it is a reflection of you, I like that I don’t know too much about your thoughts and beliefs on other topics. I don’t want my view of your blog and work to be tainting by views that I may not agree with (yes, it’s not fair of me to judge, but we’re all human). As long as you decorate and DIY with the amazing results that you do, I’ll keep coming back for more! In addition, with those stories everywhere, it’s nice to have a little escape into a fantasy land where the only bad things that happen are poor decisions on paint colors 🙂

    Tho I’d love to know what blogs you follow. I’m always looking for more decorating and DIY posts to read and lust after!

    1. Love this: “a fantasy land where the only bad things that happen are poor decisions on paint colors.” Perfect!

  8. Kristi, Right on , well said and amen! I have unsubscribed because of political rants. When subscribing to a decor , book , cooking blog I don’t expect the rants. That is exactly why I do not watch tv news so why would I want to read about it.

    Love everything you do!

  9. Thank you for not making this blog political. We all need an escape from all the nonsense. If only celebrities would do the same.

  10. Thanks for making this a DIY/Decorating blog and only that. Totally agree and appreciate your decision to not comment on current events. I read your blog to “escape” the news for 5 minutes a day.

  11. Thank you Kristi. I agree with you and am happy to find DIY and decorating and fun, interesting information on your blog. The news is hitting us from every direction. It’s nice to be able to think of something else for a while.

  12. I also do not normally comment online. But, your blog today is so totally correct that I just had to tell you how much I appreciate you doing what you do. Please continue.

  13. Oh, Kristi…thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! I get my news from the journalism sources, and I see it on FaceBook but take anything I see there with a grain of salt. I don’t want to hear celebrities talk about it, nor do I want to see it on decorating blogs. I’ll go much farther than you did: it seems gratuitous. I come to your blog for the things you’ve always shared on your blog. It’s my #1 favorite, and the only one I visit every day.

  14. Good for you! This is not a political blog and I would never think to come here for opinions on what’s happening in the world. You are right….facebook has become that. I just want to encourage you to remember that while you are saving up for the big stuff you still need to enjoy yourself and the gift of your house. We are cash people after having made mistakes and it feels so good. We just made our last house payment!!!You can still host backyard BBQ’s and dinners in your dining room even if projects aren’t done. As long as the front porch is cleaned up, because that is a first impression, people aren’t going to care about your undone projects. We are finding our family and friends just crave human contact in this technology age we live in. Enjoy the journey you are on!!!!

  15. Thank you for keeping this a DIY/decorator blog! I love it and your projects. I can get all that other stuff elsewhere. But here, I just get to enjoy and learn what you have to offer-you are a unique and talented person and that is so refreshing!😊

  16. Thank you! I love your blog and will continue to read it for the great posts that you have. I have unfollowed many other blogs this past week because they contain information that I don’t care to receive from them. I get my news from news sources and I get my decorating, DIY, organizing, cleaning information from blogs!

  17. Kristi, when i come to read your site, I want to read about all your DIY ideas from you. Although there is all these tragedies going on at the moment in the world, this is my place of escaped, to dream and gain inspiration. So the fact you don’t make comments doesn’t mean you don’t care it just means you are following your philosophy of when you started this site that this is a DIY blog, and I thank you for that.

  18. I absolutely agree with you 100% Kristi. I follow your blog for your amazing DIY/decorating skills. I don’t want to read about other issues, whether good or bad that’s happening in the USA, I can see/read those on many other media avenues! Thank you for being you and being so honest. That is what I love about your blog, and why I follow you. Keep on doing what you do!!!

  19. Dear Kristi,
    I have no doubt whatsoever that you could do every last bit of the major remodeling you are eventually going to hire out. But your talents are so needed on the visionary projects you do! Why do all the “basics,” when there is plenty to keep yourself busy once the wiring, etc, is in? I also get the distinction between temporary fixes and lasting permanence, and I applaud you for sorting that out for yourself. Again, your decisions and skills are fascinating to witness, whether the project will be temporary or permanent, but… I don’t know quite how to put this…but I’ll try! I feel that placing your focus on things built to last uses your amazing talents more aptly. We have a carpenter friend who can do almost anything. He will build utilitarian bookshelves for a garage, rig a kid’s bunk bed to be safer, etc. But where he truly shines is when he designs and makes lovely pieces of furniture, built-ins, etc, that are permanent and treasured. You, Kristi, have the ability to see a complex project through, do it right, and do it artistically. Why spend time on temporary slip covers when you can build and upholster your own chair that relatives and friends will fight over if you ever decide you don’t want it? Many people can “see” what they’d like to have at the end of a major project, but they have no idea how to start, how to keep themselves going in the middle when nothing looks like it will work out, how to make adjustments if needed, and how to keep at it until the work is quality and “right.” You do! That’s why I follow you. I dip into others’ blogs, but I FOLLOW you. Because of all of the above. So knock off a temporary project from time to time for the fun of it, but know that your ability to create lasting, quality changes is a forte of yours!

  20. Great that you want to be as debt free as possible. Finish the dining room, music room, hallway & pay off the car. That would probally be a while & then see where you’re at. Matt will probally be more comfortable then. I’m sure you’ll have plenty of projects with that.

  21. Thank you! I need escape from the 24/7 disaster epic that TV and lots of the internet has become, so I turn to my favorite music CD’s and a very few places on the internet, like your delightful blog.

    With regards to your consideration of when to do your big house remodel(s) – kudos to you and your husband for being able to discuss it and come to an agreement. My husband and I are also cash people, and even though I have a long wish list of ‘wants’, we sleep easy at night knowing that we can take care of all of our ‘needs’ and still save for those other things.

  22. I totally agree, Kristi-thank you! I don’t need another news source as have an overload of that from all sides.

  23. Hi Kristi,

    We too were thinking about adding on an addition for a new kitchen, but found that is was going to be about $80,000.00 so we decided it was not worth putting that much money into the house because we would never get it out if we were ever to sell. The next thing was just to remodel my old kitchen, but that will probably run around $40,000.00 so I am feeling a little discouraged about the whole thing. Going into debt again at this time in our lives (we are both 75) just doesn’t seem like the smart thing to do. Feeling discouraged, but I know that I have so much to be thankful for that I will just have to get over it.

    1. Is it possible talk with a realtor to get an idea for what kitchen improvements might be valuable/helpful towards resale, which you could also enjoy? Or an hourly designer for some simple, less expensive kitchen updates to spruce up your kitchen for a lot less? (paint the cabinets? new counters? a new linoleum floor? new appliances?) Some of those could ideally be done for under $10,000 and might make your kitchen a lot more homey to you, even if it’s not the completely new or fully remodeled kitchen you would like.

  24. Hi Kristie: Thank you for such a thoughtful post. I for one appreciate the respite your blog gives me from the horrors of current events. I enjoy following your expression of your passion for color and form. I fully support every blogger’s decision about what to include in his or her posts, but I hope you don’t spend another moment worrying about someone’s thinking of you as insensitive. On a more personal note, I bought my home as a forty three year old single woman and paid off the 30 year mortgage in full after about seventeen years. I use credit on a limited basis, paying off my cards every two weeks (yay online banking.) I completely support your decision not to take out a ginormous loan and to focus on DIY projects with staying power. This may seem out of left field, but have you considered either crowdfunding or finding sponsors for some of your projects? Your home is very much a going concern; maybe there’s a way to tap into financial support other than bank loans. Whatever you decide, Brava!

  25. You go Kristi! I love your blog as is. If I want current events, I’ll read the news sites. Thank you so much for sharing all your DIYs.

  26. Kristi,

    In a world we are constantly bombarded by negative events, your blog is a WELCOMING escape to a more positive and productive space. Thank you! Pray for our country!!!

  27. Also, Kristi, I also keep reading your blog because I like your thoughts, insights, and you as a person peeking out from behind the decorating/DIY vehicle. So if you choose to digress from your normal topics and let us in on your thoughts or feelings about just about anything, I will read it. To me, a blog, whether it’s about decorating or something else, is an opportunity to get to know someone more intimately. Just as walking into your home I could learn a lot from your choices of fabrics, colors, etc, reading your words helps me know who you are. If you CHOOSE to share how you feel about a current news item, world situation, or your own personal life, we can CHOOSE to read it or to skim through it and follow only the DiY information. I’ve noticed that when you share something personal, you usually make a disclaimer about it at the beginning of the post. That’s enough warning for those who don’t want anything but decorating from you. That said, I would never think that because you didn’t blog about what’s happening right now in our world, you don’t care. You have the right to be private and choose the topics of your posts. Some people think that if a person is a blogger, they have the right to mine every emotion and thought in the blogger’s head. I think that’s wrong. Share what you want, when you want; just don’t stop! 😀

  28. You are a great inspiration for “work on it with cash flow” to which I refer my daughters when they want instant fixes. I love following your blog and watching your home develop through your skill sets. I think it takes wisdom to know when to tackle a project and when to call in someone with a different skill set.

    I really appreciate your leaving the blog politically free. As you mentioned, there are multitudes of places to read/air political stances. I enjoy having a few places of simple enjoyment to visit. A little breeze of fresh air.

  29. Thank you for not preaching on your opinion of world and US affairs on this blog!! So many times a person with the opposing opinion goes on such a rant that I am completely turned off and never want to here a word from that person again. I love your blog, your ideas, and watching you create things … and I definitely look forward to reading each one of your blogs. Now I feel reassured that you will always and only discuss what I come to you for … decorating advice and wonderful ideas!! Keep sharing your talent with us! 😃

  30. So happy this is a decorating blog and my little escape as well. It would never occur to me to think of you as an insensitive person. I appreciate your boundaries and love your decorating style. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Now back to DIY!

  31. 1. Thank you for keeping politics, tragic events, etc. out of your blog. If I wish to read such material, there are plenty of places to find it. Your blog is my happy place. I would never attempt 99% of what you do, but it’s interesting to see it done, and I enjoy the look of whatever you do, even if it is beyond my skill set.
    2. I think we all have extreme faith in your ability to do any and all renovations and improvements you could conceive. Does that mean you would or could do them? Doesn’t matter. We’re here to cheer you on. Do what you want, hire out what you want, we don’t care. We just want to watch.

  32. I love the way you are thinking about the loan/remodel. It is so easy to overextend financially. I feel the same way so am more interested in the dit that maybe I would do after reading your blog.

    I am looking forward to seeing you put the final touches on the dining room and music room!

    Thank you for staying non-political on your blog. We need a respite from the violence, politics and sadness that surrounds us.

    I have been looking forward to your garage/workshop rebuild ever once you took out the old kitchen cabinets!!

  33. You’re all good. In fact I read about 10 blogs a day and none of them have deviated from whatever content is their norm and I haven’t raised any mental questions in my mind as to the bloggers sensitivities to social issues. I’m all for those issues having their own place. I also read news organization websites for that and can comment on those sites if I feel the need.

  34. I agree Kristi. It is funny, I was just thinking that same thing the other day. I had to look at the title again to see if they were in fact a decorating blog. I think bloggers sometimes forget that your audience is world wide.

  35. Bless your heart, and thank you! I have had the strongest desire to pack up and run out into the woods somewhere. I rationally know it can’t happen so I’m grateful for places like this to let me mind rest.

  36. Kristi, so agree with your thoughts on world events! We see too much already. However, I do have one question:

    No Master Bath??? Send Laundry to Pantry, and Master Bath to Laundry LOL

    Love your blog!

  37. I love to hear that more people do the cash only thing! I love it. Other than a little revolving debt for my store, I do not have debt. The gentleman that I date does not either. Our homes are paid for as well. It may not look like we have much to some, but we actually own what we have!

  38. Kristi,
    You are right on in your feelings! My grandchildren have been here lately and my 5 yr old grandson told his daddy an alligator ate a kid at Disney. My 8 yr old granddaughter told her daddy that 50 people got killed in Orlando. My son was a little upset about the kids hearing those things. I told him from now on when they were here there would be on TV on. We are so bombarded with tradegy sometimes we are numbed by it. Thanks for your comments. I try to keep up with your blog. I’m a DIYer myself and so enjoy your ideas.
    Teresa

  39. Best, well said comments I’ve read in a long time. You are wise, talented and well spoken. I love the fact that I can read your blog about DECORATING without current events mixed in. It is an escape for me that I look very forward to. Reading your blog at the end of a work day is like grabbing dessert after dinner. Your work is beautiful and your knowledge exceptional. Thanks for bringing sunshine into the lives of others!

  40. Kristi,
    Thank you! Let me say it again, thank you! Your blog is a breath of fresh air. I have no doubt you have thoughts and opinions on worldly matters, but I am SO grateful to you for keeping it off your page. We are inundated everywhere else, and it’s so refreshing to come here and just see the hard work, and fun, that you do here. Oh, and thank you for keeping it real 🙂

  41. I am so glad you don’t post about social issues. I have unsubscribed from many sites where hateful and insensitive things have been said. I don’t impose my liberal ideas on others and don’t care to have conservative ideas imposed on me.

    Thank you!

  42. I along with so many other folks turn to our working on our homes and other “fluff” to just turn the volume down on life a bit. I agree that it’s not the same as turning my face away from any discussions, or the importance of world events, it’s just that I cannot take it 24/7.
    When Hurricane Sandy gobsmacked us literally the day before we were supposed to leave the state of NJ, everything was “ground zero” in storm damage. We were hit badly by the storm. No electricity for 10 days, and with the storm damage needing to be cleaned up, our energy during the day, was used in doing just that. Everybody was affected by this storm on the Jersey Shore. We heard about it, and saw it every in place that we went. But at night, I turned to my iPad, (we charged them in our cars during the day), to get away from the world for a while. I wasn’t forgetting what happened out there, nor was I turning my back on my hometown. I was just in need of a mental break, until I had to come front and center, face to face with it the next day. My reality of what I really didn’t want to face, was what we actually lost in the storm. It was everything that made up 20 years of living in a home with a family brings. It was all gone. Our lives were in that home, and if I started to think too long, my heart ached so deeply that I sometimes couldn’t get myself back from that anguish, for hours. Mental breaks are always needed for many reasons. Sadly nowadays it seems like we get bashed for taking a break from it, and we are forced to explain why we NEED those breaks. The lack of empathy in the world by others that are doing your thinking for you, is coming to a bizarre head. It’s like if you don’t care enough you get bashed. Or worse yet, if you don’t care about the right things,(you know the stuff that THEY want you to care about), you get bashed. What happened to letting folks think for themselves? Seems that we are not allowed to do that much anymore!
    So I can totally relate to your words 100%.

    Now, on your budget comments, I must commend you and Matt for being smart! Too many families are in a serious financial bind, because they overspend for things that just are not needed it seems. Our throw away society, seems to be pushing this theory by doing things like bringing out a new iPhone model or gaming console, every six months. Sadly it seems that we have a government that only encourages the uncontrolled spending, and total lack of a budget by, “raising the debt ceiling” at every chance they get! Seriously, who in the world gets to live like that? Does ANY family ever get a chance to just “raise their ceiling”, just because they can’t cut back and learn how to live within their means? NO! It is the CRAZIEST thing I have EVER heard of, and yet it keeps taking place! We are so far overstretched as a nation, I fear that we will never recover! So, I’m always happy to hear of young folks being smart with their spending habits, and not just assuming that plastic cash is just a fun way to get “free stuff” that you make “payments” on! Unless you pay off your credit card EVERY month to the last penny, you are overspending, and it’s going to cost a very large sum in interest payments – pretty soon that $50 pair of shoes ends up costing you $500. People need to be smart with their budgets, and it’s nice to see that this takes a high priority in your home, and that you guys TALK about it! Talking about money can be frustrating, but if it gets ignored, it can lead to MAJOR problems in a marriage and family!

    You two are a rarity – a refreshing rarity – but a rarity nonetheless!

    Keep being smart, you’ll see what it’s like to be able to be completely bill free with the exception of your daily living expenses one day. Not many people get to know that feeling, but it IS worth it!

  43. Kristi, I can’t get away from the news and current events. That’s one of the reasons I like your blog. I can stop thinking about all the problems in our country for a few minutes and just enjoy the progress on your projects.

  44. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sticking to writing about your projects and related things.

    I may be way off base with my theory- but I have noticed in the past week that people in public have been especially crappy toward each other, road rage is even MORE rampant than usual, there are car accidents every 5 miles on my commute home from work. And I feel like I have been angry for no reason at all this week (I can’t even blame PMS 😉 ). And I think it’s the media’s fault. The way the media presents everything these days is so inflammatory and divisive. They thrive on knee jerk reactions, but we’re all the ones in the real world that have to deal with the anger and frustration they’re causing. Nothing is as black and white as the media presents it.

    The thought never even crossed my mind as to why you have never posted about national events. If you would have posted your opinion, I probably would’ve unsubscribed, just because reading your blog is a source of decompression from my already stressful workday. I doubt any of your followers think there is ice in your veins- they’re probably mostly thankful for the distraction you provide 🙂

  45. I’m in agreement with everyone else, Kristi, about deciding not to borrow the money (SO tempting, I know from experience) and about not writing about current affairs. Sometimes it seems that once one person voices an opinion or even posts about an event (Happy Straw Hat Day, everyone!!), others feel somehow pressured to follow suit. I’m glad you didn’t. I love your blog the way it is.

  46. Like every other commenter here, Kristi, I respect your opinions on DIY and decorating. I like reading about why you choose certain options and why you change your mind after making a decision—I ALWAYS learn something. Because my mind wearies from all the bad news, I must go to places like your blog where it can rest and be recharged. Thank you.

  47. Love your blog and agree with you about escaping the craziness that’s going on. Thank you for NOT making your posts political.

  48. Sometimes I need a break from all the hate, violence, political posts and blogs, thank you for giving me someplace to land for that needed break. There are times when one just needs normalcy from all the heartbreak!

  49. Thank you and well said! I wish others would follow your lead. If I want opinions on current events, I ask my friends or read newspapers. When I want to chill, possibly learn a new skill, or daydream, I read blogs. Thank you for staying true to yourself and your blog!

  50. Thank you Kristi, that is exactly why I come to your blog everyday. To “get away” from the hate, anger, turmoil. I really appreciate you staying true to your blog and giving us a place to relax and see a new DIY project. Thank you.

  51. I do appreciate being able to come to your blog as a respite from current events. Coincidentally, I also like your stance on topics such as this.

  52. Thank you! When my heart is heavy, I need respite and find joy in your column. I love the way you puzzle things out and ask for opinions. Keeps my mind off all the other stuff.

  53. Keep on keeping on. You have married a wise man; debt is nasty, isn’t it?

    And thank you for keeping politics and current events (other than rain on your newly painted cabinet doors!) out of your blog; I like my DIY blogs full of fluff, thankyouverymuch!

  54. Kristi – as a Black mother of 3 grown sons and 5 grandchildren, I’m happy to come here and read about your adventures. I have other places to speak about my concerns and fears and it is nice to come hear and read about making chairs and painting walls and learning how to refinish a floor.

    Keep writing about DIY.

    Thanks

  55. Debt…the anchor that will send us to the bottom. Quick mortgage tutorial; if you have a 30 yr mortgage it can be paid off in 5 1/2 years IF you can afford to write TWO checks per month. That’s what my late husband and I did. You save an enormous amount of (interest) money. An extra payment per year will shorten a 30 year to a 17 year.
    I agree with everyone who enjoys the fact that your blog is about decorating, without adding to the general angst we all suffer from in today’s world.

  56. Just a thought…I totally understand not wanting to spend money on temporary fixes, but I like to evaluate what is meant by “temporary”. Yes, you are going to re-do the front of your house, so painting it would be temporary. However, if it makes cringe and think, “ugh!” every time you pull into the drive, and it is going to be 5 years or more before you can do the major remodel, then a couple of days and a few hundred dollars to paint may be money well spent. It isn’t so much temporary as it is, “this is now, and that is then”. I am in that zone where I didn’t want to spend on the temporary, and now more than three years later I’m still unsure when we’ll get to the permanent and I’m a little irritated that I didn’t spend a smidge on some temporary fixes three years ago to make the time I have spent with these problems a little more pleasant. I’ve read your previous post of temporary vs. permanent, and it is really good. I just think each step should probably be evaluated: how much does the temp fix cost? how long before the permanent fix comes? how much does this problem bother me? I know you don’t want lipstick on a pig, but if the lipstick’s cheap, the pig is going to be hanging around a while, and you like a pig with lipstick better than one without, may as well go for it! LOL

    Question though: Are you planning on doing the addition and façade work all at the same time, or treating as two separate projects?

  57. Thank you for your thoughts and straight forwardness regarding your blog. I simply love it and I’m glad you’re staying on message.

    On the loan thing….My husband and I are about to use our mid-year bonus to get pay off all our credit cards and afterwards we will only have our student loans and mortgage. We are so excited about this and we cannot wait! So I say all this to say…. I believe you are on the right track, don’t take out a loan if its something you’re not comfortable.

  58. It’s very clear to me that you are a very private person, Kristi. You done let personal things into your blog unless it has a bearing on it. (like Matt’s use of a wheelchair). Even your weight loss journey was handled in another blog.
    With that in mind it’s no surprise to me that you kept these issues separate; and you are right to do so go all of the reasons you set forth. I for one don’t need to be told whom to pray for, vote for /against etc. So thanks from the bottom of my weary brain.
    Off subject–is the trim in your DR Polar Bear as well? When I paint to sell, I’d like to go all white and I love the look in your home. I won’t have your fabulous millwork but the white will go a long way to brighten up my rooms.
    Thanks
    Ps— being debt free is the most fabulous feeling in the world!!! Just saying.

  59. I fully agree with your comments and most of the others, Too! Debt free is surely the best way to go. Keep it on DIY! Love it~learn so much!
    I was going to make a suggestion, about your reno plans.
    Looking at what you plan to do, with the area that is your closet, now, but would be a hall way later. Why could you not knock out the closet, now, and have safe egress for Matt to escape through the sun room, as it is. This would leave you without a closet, But it would be a step forward, and not a make do. It is part of the future plan, and could be an answer for safety and something you could DIY, now, before a big reno!!
    Just food for thought.

  60. Let me preface what I am going to say with the caveat that I have seven sons (and one princess) – most are married and gone now but all were die hard ball players (baseball of course). Now, when someone really nailed it they would say ” man! That was right down the dick!!!!” Yeah…. Don’t ask…. Anyway, you nailed it.
    I would add one more thing, when you have personal issues it is most appropriate to bring those up…. They will not be addressed on any other blog. 🙂

  61. Make with the fluff, I love it! It’s definitely a nice place to leave those worldly worries behind.

  62. This is off topic but a curiosity after reading through many of the comments. Do you have any male readers/subscribers? You’re such a good carpenter and in my mind, you can fabricate most anything wood related in your home. I just wondered if you have any male support (besides Matt, your brother, father-in-law, etc.) in your readership. And then if not, I wonder why. My brain is generally too distracted to read through comments to glean such info, so I thought I’d ask.

    1. I know I have at least two regular readers, and both comment fairly regularly. Other than that, I’m not sure! 😀

      I do know that there are men who come across my projects on Google or Pinterest and use them for inspiration or direction for their own projects, like my wall of built-ins that I did in the living room at the condo. They’ll often write to me and tell me that they came across my projects, and that they were very useful for them, or they’ll ask me questions regarding the project. But I’m not sure if any of those actually turn into regular readers.

  63. I referred another blogger who decided to do exactly the opposite of what you did to your post. And I unsubscribed because I think she revealed enough about herself to tell me I’m not interested in ‘following’ her anymore. Good Job.
    Kristi, you reveal what is important to your world and that makes the blog personal. For instance, as it pertains to interior design we know about Matt and what works for his wheelchair. We know a little about what is important to him. We know about the new car and the humorous circumstances that brought that about . We know the struggle between financing something and saving for something. We know about the new sewing machine and the excitement and trepidation about that big purchase. We know about Christmas and how you feel about that (totally understand it too). And we know about your sweet stepfather and the loss you are experiencing. We know what is important to you, what is human and part of all of us- and we know that you are Super Woman in the home. Really, what else do we need from a blog called Addicted to Decorating ?

  64. I’ve always loved your blog. You’re so inspiring! And you’re the ONLY blogger I’ve followed religiously and felt a connection to your style / your thoughts. I think you’ve made me realize why – you focus on exactly what your blog is about! And maybe in part that is why I connect to it so much. Whereas others blogs I would try and follow would become side tracked and I’d loose interest. I come to read about your journey designing your home, not about what’s going on in the world. To be frank, I seldomly even read any “heavy” articles online, or read much news related outside of my own community. It isn’t because I don’t care, but I don’t want to dwell on all negative in the world. I feel everyone has enough going on in their own personal lives, that to then have everything negative going on in the world on top of that is a real downer. The media does not focus enough on positivity (It doesn’t get people talking. I get that). But I enjoy fluff reading 🙂 I have no shame in that! Keep doing exactly what you’re doing!!

  65. Thank you for keeping your decorating and diy blog as just that, a decorating and diy blog. I can honestly say that I subscribe to only a handful of blogs, and not one of them have the blogger’s personal views on current world events. I keep up with current news and events but don’t want to read about something that I haven’t subscribed to.

    Thank you Kristi.

    From a faithful reader.

  66. Love this. Had to laugh, I live within 90 miles from Dallas so on my Facebook page I posted about the 5 wonderful people I have known who are police officers. I posted about their compassion and consideration and about what great people I knew them to be. I got 1 like.

    Then I posted a great photo of a beautiful little designer kitchen wall. It was so elegant, glossy and simple in it’s beauty. I was stunned by the brilliance and attention to detail shown by the designer. That post got 10 likes! ha ha. So I guess people need and want to look at beautiful design, to imagine their home showcased as such. No matter how bad the news gets and how many innocent lives are destroyed so needlessly.

    These things are still important: Beauty and love of home, and honest hard work revealing the fruits of labor taken.

  67. Two things– I think you are wise not to take out that loan. Second, I read your blog and many others. It never occurred to me for a second that you were silent on the current events.

  68. Just curious. Have you ever gotten any estimate on what you want to do ? I know the breakfast room/ pantry needs the floor leveled and you wanted professionals to do that ? Is there any other major thing in that room that needs to be done ? The rest by my understanding is tearing down the sun room & building the addition & turning your master bedroom into a master bath for Matt. If there isn’t any other major thing in the breakfast room maybe you can do that part in cash. The rest is very major but by then you’ll be 1/2 way done.

    1. We were actually just talking about that last night! 🙂 Matt said that we’ll go ahead and pay for the breakfast room floor and the windows for that room, probably in the next couple of months, so that we can go ahead and get that room finished. No need to wait since it doesn’t require major construction.

      1. Sounds like a plan. Save the loan for the major non DIY. You’ll get all your tear out done. Who knows you might be sleeping in the breakfast room when the new construction is being done.

  69. Like many others, it never occured to me that you don’t comment about current affairs, but I like it! We are here for your mad decorator skills. Thanks for not muddying the water, we all get enough of that from other places.

  70. Christie, I like so many others, visit the blogs I follow for a little relaxation some neat decorating ideas, and to tune out the world and all the awfulness going on. I have personally unfollowed all of the blogs on Facebook that are posting political rants right now. I don’t dispute their right to post whatever they want on their blogs, But I also have a right not to see it when all I wanted was some awesome decorating tips. For news I follow news stations for decorating I follow decorating blogs. So I appreciate the fact that you don’t get into all that stuff on your blog. Although truthfully, I suspect that even if you did post that stuff, you would be the exception to the rule for me since you are a DIY rockstar And I can’t imagine ever unfollowing you!

  71. Not the post I was expecting when I started to read it, but AMEN, sister!

    Totally agree with the debt part as well… It’s way too easy to get ahead of yourself and way to difficult to climb out of it!

  72. I was surprised, but pleasantly so, when I saw that you weren’t going to write a commentary on current events after the recent shootings. You’re right, I am constantly inundated with everyone’s opinions and fears and sorrows on Facebook and on the news and after a while, I just need a break. The world is a harsh and hard place and sometimes I do just need a good DIY how-to. Also, thanks for clarifying what you meant about being done with DIY for the sake of DIY. It makes a lot of sense to me. Actually, that’s why my husband and I jumped right into our kitchen/dining/living room remodel, because until we changed the bones of the room, any fix we would make would just be a bandaid solution.

  73. I love that you really do what you want/need. And I love that you aren’t willing to go into debt to live your dream. That’s so refreshing to see someone younger than I am, thinking smart. We lived on my husbands’ salary alone for about ten years, way back in the 70’s. We had basic needs met and saved as much as we could. I truly hated it then, but now I see it was the best thing we could do for us. We were able to eventually remodel our starter home, sell it 5 years later, and move to another dream home. Now we have sold that and are using equity to build our final dream, on a lake!

    And I appreciate you sticking with Decor/DIY…let everyone else rattle on, I need you so I can get away from that!

  74. I’m with you all the way! I just came to look at your blog because I just can not stand listening to the awful things happening in France one.more.time. Thank you.

  75. Kristi,

    I wanted to chime in as someone who is very involved in discussions and passionate about politics and social issues. I come to your blog to check out of that. Just as you said, there are thousands upon thousands of places where I can find information or opinions about current news and events – a decorating blog should not be one of them.

    I’ve actually unsubscribed to decorating blogs due to a less-than-stellar display of character during responses or mention of current events.

    I would like to note that some time back, you wrote an about me post, and I loved that! It was really neat to get insight into the woman behind the phenomenal craftmanship and decor. I guess all of this rambling is to say: don’t change!

  76. Question: There is a door on the front porch that goes into your office. You show it still as a door on your new plans. Have you thought of turning it into a window or do you have a reason for keeping it a door ? I’ve always thought 2 front doors as a little strange & just wondering why you would want 2 front doors since you’re doing such a major redo.

    1. I’ll be changing it to a window. I agree, there’s no need for two front doors. It’s very strange when visitors don’t know what door to knock on.

  77. I absolutely love following your blog, reading about your creative aspirations and the beautiful work you have done. You have the ability to envision your dreams, whereas I have a hard time seeing the “after” in the before and after changes. It’s not until it is completed that I can say, “Aha!!!! She did it again and it is awesome”. You truly are wonderful for sharing your life within this blog.

    My question is simply this: what program did you use to draw the floor plan in this post of your before and after of your home? I would love to use something like that but with so many to choose from, I haven’t found one that is so user friendly. Thank you, Your dedicated follower, Ilene