Holidays = Savings!

Happy Labor Day!

While DH spent his time tidying up the backyard and organizing his mancave, I spent the long weekend laying on the beach getting some much needed R&R.  However, relaxing on the beach catching up on your summer reading list is no excuse to miss out on the holiday sales.

We spent the last day away from the office squeezing out extra savings from  the big box stores, saving an extra $1000 on our shiny new appliances!  Holidays are a great time to purchase appliances because most, if not all, stores have additional sale promotions on top of their already discounted items.

We originally budgeted $8000 for appliances—or 20% of our kitchen budget—and thanks to the sales we came in $2154 under budget!  Thank you Labor Day!

GE 29 cu. ft.  French Door Refrigerator 
Reg: $2500 Holiday Sale price: $1978

GE Cafe 30" Gas Convection Range
Reg: $3199 Holiday Sale Price: $2879

GE Profile 24" Dishwasher
Reg: $1099 Holiday Sale Price: $989.00

What did you do this Labor Day?

Vacation— Bermuda 2012

We're on vacation in sunny Bermuda!    

DH's Photog Skillz

And what does a renovation addict do while catching a tan on a beach with pink sand?  She sketches her dream kitchen of course!!

Dream Kitchen Number Ten

I can't believe I'm saying this after begging DH for a break after our dining room rehab, but, I really can't wait to get started on this kitchen!!!  

Our Month Long Sabbatical

What's a pitfall of going on vacation?  Returning to your fixer upper extremely relaxed that you don't want to tackle another DIY project for a really really long time.  That dated light fixture you wanted to replace?  After your vacation, you start to think that the darn thing doesn't look so 1980s anymore.

Almost two months after our vacation that California feeling has worn off.  As we prepare to get back into the DIY swing of things, here's our road trip recap. 

"The Sign"

Focused.  Trying not to drive off the narrow Pacific Coast Highway

My navigator & Paparazzi

Not Our Fixer Upper-- Hearst Castle  

I will continue to be haunted by coffered ceilings!

Despite the glamorous woodworking and ceiling art, I found Hearst Castle to be dark, cold, and uninviting.  With all of the colors we observed driving up the golden coast, this one time home seems out of place.

 Unimpressed 

I wish I could lay on the beach all day!

DH's vacation highlight

San Fran's Golden Gate

Tourists

California Road Trip

What's the perfect cure to DIY overload?  A road trip!  Just a week after finishing our dining room renovation we're in California enjoying the sun, the beach, and celebrating the beautiful wedding of our friends Katie and Dave.

We're taking the week off from DIY projects and driving from Laguna Beach to Napa.   Of course, it's not a true California vacation until you take the cheesy tourist pic.