Before: Original door 2 years ago. I’m going to get a little personal today as I write about my home’s curb appeal makeover, which has been upgraded over the last couple of years. As you can see, the original door had been previously replaced. Birds loved to nest at the top of the pillars and make lovely messes for me to clean up weekly. The siding was quite dirty, the lawn was quite dead and the front step had many cracks and chips. I needed to add some curb appeal to this area and since it is almost summer, the timing was perfect. Step 1 (2 day project). Fix the bird problem. Although I love hearing the birds chirping throughout the day, I don’t like cleaning up after them and worrying if they will dive bomb me when I walk into my front entrance.

Before: Front entrance before curb appeal makeover. I am lucky enough to know a handyman who was able to alter the space above the pillars so no little critters can get in. Step 2 (2 day project). Clean the siding. I used a power washer, a mop and some elbow grease and cleaned away. Step 3 (4-7 day project depending on timing and weather). Patch the cracks and dints in the front step. After everything was patched up, I sanded them down with a power sander. Then I finished off the front step off with Rustoleum’s 3 Part Stone Finishing System Don’t let the 3 part system fool you, it’s actually a 5 step process when you do 2 coats of rocks and 2 coats of sealer. You also need to take into account the drying time inbetween steps. For the last step you need 24 hours of good weather.

After: This front entrance is now welcoming. Step 4 (1/2 day project). Add some colour. I chose to use an analogous-complementary colour scheme by incorporating the yellow flowers in my hanging baskets with the yellow-orange and orange marigolds in addition to violet pansies in the flower pots. I also gave the lawn a good rake and watering.

Choosing the perfect treatments for you windows can be difficult at times. I have a few personal favourite choices but today I would like to write about the Roman style. There are many different textures available for roman shades including woven weaves, metals, sheer fabrics, natural fabrics and fabrics with prints, stripes, and textures. You can choose from a corded system, cordless system or the top down / bottom up system (this is where the top is controllable as well as the bottom). You can even split a large window in half with two blinds on one headrail.

Pricing can depend on the size and quality of the shade. They are more expensive than a typical curtain system but they look fabulous. You can go high quality with a blind specialty store or you can source prices at your local hardware store.

Image: iStock Photo (May 21, 2010)

Want to make an improvement on your yard this year but don’t have much time? Don’t worry, by adding colour, lighting and accessories, you can boost your curb appeal in as little as a weekend.

The first item for your weekend facelift is to look at your yard with fresh eyes. Choose an area that needs a bit of WOW. Is it your walkway to your front door? Your driveway? Or is it a little corner in your backyard? Once you have chosen which area to work on, measure it out. Draw a rough sketch of the area and plan where you want to add your lighting, colour or any other accessories. Not sure what colour combinations to use? Check out my other blogs on colour schemes. Remember to take in account what colour(s) your siding and trim are.

Come up with a budget and head to your local home and garden store. Take your rough sketch and measurements with you so you know what and how much to purchase. Talk to an outdoor lighting expert about what suits your needs best and choose your flowers and accessories according to the colour scheme you have chosen (remember to stay within your budget). Make sure to purchase plants that will grow in the area you are working on. For example: don’t plant Marigolds in the shade, they need lots of sun to thrive. There should be information on each plant at your local garden store, but if there isn’t, feel free to ask an employee. That is why they are there – to help out. Ask them if there is anything else you should purchase to keep your garden healthy.

The next part may be the least fun but make sure you thoroughly clean, de-weed and/or dig up space. When that is complete, add your lighting (make sure to follow the instructions provided in the box), plant your flowers and arrange your accessories.

Now it’s time to relax, admire and enjoy your hard work. Before you know it, others will want you to work on their yards next.

Image: iStock Photo (May 20, 2010)

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed with how much stuff you have (like I have been the past year), the best way to alleviate that feeling is to host a garage sale. I’ve been apart of the garage sale “club” my whole life. This is where my mom, grandma, cousins and aunties found and sold their “treasures”. I’d like to offer some tips on how to host a successful sale.

Planning and organization are key to a successful sale. Plan your sale on a nice warm day, most people don’t wants to shop on a cold or rainy day. In Calgary, Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular days. Prepare ads in community postings (this can be print, online or both) so people know your sale is coming up. Plan how many signs you need and prepare eye catching signage. Pre-planning placement is important as it will determine which way the arrows go. We use neon pink paper for our signs (I know the colour is really 80s but it works!) with the words “GARAGE SALE” and an arrow stenciled in. The arrow is the most important part of your sign so make sure it is visible.

Now it is time to price your items. A good rule is 30-50% of what you originally paid depending on it’s condition. Be prepared for people to bargain with you. They may offer half of the price you set, don’t be offended, this is garage sale culture. Bargain with them until you come up with a price you both can agree on. If you can’t come up with a mutual price, don’t stress it, someone else may come along later.

Gather a good variety coins and small bills for change. In Canada, most people will have $20 bills so make sure you will be able to give them change for that TV priced at $75 and that candle priced at $1.

Prepare snacks and drinks ahead of time, you may not have time for breakfast/lunch/supper and drink plenty of water. Apply sunscreen – even on a cloudy day you can still burn.

On the day of the sale, make sure everything is set up and someone is ready to sell. Then send another helper to set up the signs. Don’t set up the signs if you aren’t there or not set up or you will have people arriving at your house before you are ready.

Garage sales are not only a good way to get rid of some unwanted stuff, but a great way to meet your neighbours. Good luck and have fun!