DIY Recycled Brick Patio & Walkway Tutorial

What DIY project has taken us all summer long to complete? [Not a valid template]Our DIY recycled brick patio and walkway under the grape arbor/gazebo is finally done! A true labor of DIY lovin’. ::high fives all around!::

Because of the large volume of pictures from start to finish (it took me days to organize and edit the MONTHS worth of photos), I put together a slide show of the progress from uncovering the brick on our property to putting it to good use by creating a walkway and patio under our grape arbor and gazebo. Now not only can we enjoy our backyard patio for dining al fresco, the covered barn patio for entertaining, we now this quiet beautiful private little space too. That’s where you’ll find me on pretty days. Just wait until next year when I can add some fun DIY decorative accents! 

I love the herringbone pattern and that we were able to use bricks we already had on hand. It’s such a good feeling and the fact that it’s old and not new? Loooove that the most! It looks as if it’s been here at least half a century and fits with the age of our old home. recycled brick patio and walkway tutorial

See the entire grape arbor gazebo before and after reveal here!

It may have taken all summer but Mr. DIY did an awesome job at repurposing all of that brick to create a gorgeous recycled brick patio and walkway, didn’t he? What do you think? Love it? Not your style? We’d love to know your thoughts. 

Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control and fun giveaway!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. The winner is Kate from Just Cute Kate! Congratulations! I’ll be emailing you! 

With the cooler temps fast approaching, we’ll be firing up the furnace as well as installing some much-waited-for new windows. Good bye drafty old house! Helloooo efficiency! As you know, I am not a fan of winter and cooler temps. When winter arrives, you’ll find me blogging all bundled up in layers.

So when Honeywell asked if I’d review and share the new Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control, I watched the videos, read the specs, slept on it and decided it was something I couldn’t live without. Simply calling out “hello thermostat” (do you say that with a Jerry Seinfeld “Hello Newman” accent or is it just me?) and asking it to adjust the heat from across the room is well, “cool”! Isn’t it? Maybe “hot” is a better word in my case. In addition, if I turn the heat down before I leave for the day, I can log into the Total Connect Comfort app from my smart phone and adjust the settings to arrive home to a roasty toasty house. I love the ‘remote start’ on my car and this seems to be along the same lines for me…an awesome way to get through winter. Another bonus? I can customize it to accent my home decor! I’m eagerly awaiting the “clean house” command! 

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I should be getting it in a few weeks and I’ll let you know all about the installation and convenience first hand. 

See more details here: Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control

One thing I do love about winter? The holidays! How about a little shopping spree to get your holiday shopping started?

$100 Amazon gift card giveaway!

  • Leave a comment below with your suggestion for a voice command that you wish your thermostat could fill. Cook dinner? Transport me to Aruba?
  • Giveaway starts when this post publishes and ends Wed., October 9th at midnight EST.
  • Winner will be chosen randomly and announced shortly after.
  • Open to US residents 18+ only. 
  • Good luck!

 

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Before and After Contest Voting Begins!

All summer long, the Before & After Contest supporting Habitat for Humanity has been going on, organized by OPC’s The Better Half: Jocie. Not only is she super sweet and talented but she’s one heck of a party planner! 

I hosted the contest one of the weeks and loved looking through the entries {here}. It was a tough choice…

Before & After DIY highlights

but I chose the awesome DIY bathroom makeover at Design Dreams by Anne

Bathroom Reno @ DesignDreams by Anne

Now it’s time for Anne and the other weekly winners to compete! Head over to the Before & After at One Project Closer to see all 13 winners and to vote for your favorite starting 9/26 at 10 p.m.! 

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Mission: It’s our hope that you will be inspired to get involved with Habitat for Humanity. You don’t have to be a professional or give weeks of your time or have lots of money. Every little bit counts! Find out more about volunteering or providing financial support with Habitat for Humanity.