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I love connecting with each and every one of you. I read every one of your emails and comments, but due to the large volume of email I receive and time constraints, I may not be able to reply to every one.
- If you are writing to ask about guest posts or inserting links into my posts, please note I do not accept either of these.
- You can contact me by sending me an email to: [email protected]
- If you have a painted furniture related question, you may want to check for the answer in my: FAQ Paint Guide.
- If you have a spray paint question, check here first to see if the information or answer to your question is here: Spray Paint FAQ’s
- If you have a personal decorating question or need an idea for something – I try to answer every question I get, but it does take time to get to all of them in a timely manner.
- Due to time constraints, I can no longer accept online decorating consults.
- If you are an ad network wanting to fill my ad spots, I am happy with my current ad providers and won’t be making any changes.
Please know your words are appreciated. I will try to answer as many inquiries as time allows.
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Hi Diane: Glad you had a nice “sea-cation”.
Several months ago you featured an idea you found on another site and I wrote to you about that site. It was reusing tin cans, and the hobbyist decorated the outside with pencil-rolled papers. You took it a step farther and added curtain hooks. But for the life of me, I don’t know what you hung from them! I’ve wracked my brain for over 2 weeks and can’t come up with the idea. Will you explain to me what you did? I’d sure appreciate it!
Hi, I enjoy your posts. Do you have a recipe to make resin planters look like concrete/cement? I put them in a garage for winter storage. Thank you, Robbie
Hi Robbie – I have a 2 posts about how to cover a pot/planter to look like concrete. Each is a little different, but will give you the steps and what to use.
1. https://inmyownstyle.com/transform-thrift-store-finds-to-look-like-aged-concrete.html
2. https://inmyownstyle.com/how-to-create-the-look-of-weathered-stone-and-stucco-on-any-surface.html
Hi Diane! I am sending you an email regarding your post about, oh, maybe a month ago, your search for a prescription. I was reading your post and strangely heard a commercial for a drug to even the skin color. I have only seen this ad one other time. Anyway, I am curious if you did get your Rx. I know you said it was $2000 but that is such a small amount to pay—in the grand scheme of things. I know it is bad form to tell another about their experience but, I will. I was infected with a horrible bacteria and spent 15 days in the hospital. My insurance company approved a drug for me on 1/26/2023. I have still yet to get it. I have been blinded in my right eye and will not ever see again without surgery. Of course that was approved too, but how can I drive to USC for treatment? Please try to find a way to get your medication. (My approved drug was $24,00-$26,000 for only two weeks). After three months I have given up as no pharmacy would fill my Rx—even with the approval. One eye drop has blinded me completely in my right eye—I did not put it in my left eye. I hope that you can secure your Rx and it brings you relief. Best wishes, Elle in California
Hi Elle – Thank you for taking the time to reach out to me. I am so sorry to hear what happened to you. It is awful to hear what you had to go through after getting a bacterial infection. It is sad to hear that you can’t get the drug that was prescribed to you. What eye drop caused your blindness? Another prescription or the infection?
The new drug for Vitiligo that I have does cost $2000 a tube. I can’t get it, but I am also OK with that as I don’t think I would use it as it has a black box warning on it. More testing needs to be done. I don’t want to be a test subject and get cancer because of it, I would rather have the white patches as they don’t effect my health. Cancer would. Maybe in a few more years there will be more research and less side effects from the drug or even a better one that works for 100% of the people that use it. Not only 30% as the $2000 a tube drug says it may help.
I hope you can get to USC somehow to get the surgery. Thinking of you.
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That is a fantastic essay. We at Aruwa are moved by things like this every day.
I’ve missed your blog. Hope you and family are ok.
Hi Robbie – I did have to allow myself to let my blog take a backseat for a while. I am getting back into my creative and posting more again. My granddaughter is doing well through her treatments. Thank you for asking. :-)
Hi Diane! Now, this is a really weird question, but here it is: I read your post (1/24) about rearranging your living room. In the pictures that show your two sliding doors I noticed a panel that is dark rather than white. It almost looks like a screen door. But, it appears to be on the inside of the glass panels. Do your sliding doors have the screens on the inside? I live in Palm Springs so of course I have a slider-but the screen is the outermost panel of the door. Thanks for your time, Laura in Palm Springs.
Hi Laura – You have a good eye. I have 4 sliding glass doors each with 3 sections on the 1st floor of my home – the screens on all of these is on the inside. The doors are original to the house and I think they are made by Pella. I also have 3 sliding doors with 2 sections each. The screens on these is on the outside. I like the inside ones much better. They stay cleaner. I only wish the screens in my kitchen and living room could be white. When we first moved to the house, we bought white ones, but they didn’t fit right and we had to return them. I am OK with the black color now. :-)
Hi, I just read your post about brightening up a house. I too like the look of shiny paint on the trim. At some point I have done this but it looks horrible. The whole thing has visible paint strokes. Any painting tips?
Hi Nancy – Sorry to hear that your painting efforts didn’t come out as planned. Most likely brush strokes showed up in your painted finish. The quality of the paint you used and the quality of the brush. Not all are created equal. I always suggest to use Purdy or Wooster paint brushes. They cost more, but are worth it. When painting trim I always use Sherwin Williams Pro Classic. It is a self-leveling paint and lessens the look of brush strokes.
If you used quality paint and brushes, then the only other reason brush strokes show up is that you went over the area with the brush to try to smooth things out., This can make brush strokes worse. It is better to apply a thin coat, let it dry, then sand with 220 grit sandpaper. Clean off the grit and apply another light coat, let dry and repeat until you get the coverage you want.
One more thing you can do is add a product called Floetrol to the paint. This will minimize brush strokes. You can read about that here: https://amzn.to/3s4gzhJ
To fix your trim, you should sand it with 100 grit sandpaper to smooth and then repaint using a different paint, brush or add Floetrol. I hope this helps.
Hi, I love all of your transformations to updo furniture pieces. Though, I can’t find a DIY on what I would like to do with my china cabinet. I was wondering if I could pick your brain or if you may have a tutorial that would help me in the right direction. My hutch sits on my buffet (original design). I want to put legs (or something?) to separate the two pieces so I can use the top of the buffet. I thought about taking the top up to the ceiling and bracing on the wall above the bottom BUT that leaves me stuck with it in the same place. I would LOVE to hear what your thoughts/ideas may be to help me in this redo! I am getting so frustrated with not being able to complete my dining room! Floors have been redone, paint, trim, etc. now to finish my detailed decor! Please help!
Hi Rhonda – I understand what you are trying to do. Depending on how much space you need under the hutch you could do something that I have done with a cabinet. You can see it in this post. https://bit.ly/3TKsIoO
I used bun feet to do this, but there are different styles and dimensions of other types of furniture legs and feet. You can see more at any home improvement store back in the lumber section or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3R73vmA
These would need to be stained of painted to the color of the hutch. If you have wood working skills, you could make a back with two sides using wood. It would be like a large wood box, but with no top or bottom and only 3 sides. Here is a post from a blogger friend of mine who did this: https://bit.ly/3Ttba0h
I hope one of these ideas helps you. Let me know if they do.
Get your hip replaced! I had mine done about six years ago. I did my due diligence in locating a doctor and am now pain free however that leg is now about 1/2 “ longer than the other one😩. I wear a lift in that shoe and I guess it’s a good tradenoff to be rid of the pain but just be aware that this can sometimes happen no matter how good your surgeon is. But again. Don’t put it off too long. Love your blog!!!♥️
Connie from Whidbey Island Washington
Hi Connie – Thanks for taking the time to tell me about your hip replacement. I am pretty sure that is where I am heading. It is reassuring to hear that yours was a success. Thanks for reading my blog.
Can you let me know the posts we will send you an article with one do-follow link and will post it on your site?
Hi, My name is Dianne and I noticed your site on Pintrest. I was wondering if you have or know of any plain clock faces that when printed would be approx 2 inches wide. I have a fancy to put a clock on a tower I am building for my ?? English Manor House. I have been trying for a while to no avail. Thanking for taking the time to read this.
Dianne.
Hi Dianne – I only have the Roman numeral clock faces that you can find on my printables page. If you like these or any clock face image you find or like, you can take it or a high res digital copy of it to Staples, Office Max or a printing store. They can size any image to the exact size you need and on any quality paper you like. So there would be no need to find the exact size image for your project. Would that work?
So weird, I haven’t gotten emails from you since 2020, now all of a sudden I have gotten 4 or 5 in April & May. Wondered where you went, also not getting your intagram posts either. Think last one was Dec. 21. Interesting…glad your back.
Hi Teresa – Sorry about the mixup in the emails. When I changed my email subscription provider, some of the readers got placed into a segment that I didn’t know about. I recently realized this and made the correction. As for Instagram – I have not posted there much. It is a frustrating platform as is Facebook where they decide who to show my posts.. I have thousands of followers on each, yet each platform will only show a small fraction of my followers my posts there. So I focus on my blog where I have control. Thanks for reading my blog :-)
Will you please share your link for twinkle lights. The one on your site is no longer working. Thank you very much!
Hi Annette – It is getting harder each year to find incandescent twinkle lights to update the links in my Christmas posts. I did find two: Warm White Twinkle Lights
Multi-Color Twinkle Lights
I will keep looking and when I find more I will add to them to my post and shopping guides as well as in my emails to blog subscribers.
What happened to your family’s plans on moving
Love your bedroom
Can’t seem to locate the wallpaper on the site that’s listed
Can you help me with that?
Thanks appreciate it
25 years ago we moved into this older house (lets say it has issues). Right now the one issue that is really bothering me is in the kitchen (kind of an open floor concept between living room and kitchen. Clear across one area above sink, counter and refrigerator is a crooked shelf that was built (it starts to go down and than it goes back up about an inch) and I want my husband to take it down. But he says he can’t because they must have built it as they went along putting it up and above one area it looks like they nailed in a board in the ceiling to cover something up because it has a gap there also. So my husband is concerned it may be a worse disaster. We can’t afford to rip everything out and put in new ones. My question is: How can we disguise that or distract from it. I would be more than glad to send you a picture. That is one of two big pet peeves I have. Thank you in advance.
I love your site. I found it because I am looking for over the washer dryer shelving. I saw the wire shelf over a washer dryer where you are doing a skirt for the laundry sink. I have the exact shelving and mine is falling apart! Do you have any idea if that shelf is still available or who makes it? It is the only one that actually works over my washer/dryer. Thanks so much.
Hi Tracie – Your question about the over the washer/dryer shelving is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive. I wish I could tell you I knew where you could buy one, but I don’t. I have searched and a few years ago did find a source and linked to it, but then after a time, they were all sold and I had to remove the link. The only thing I have found recently is to go over one unit, not both. You can see it here: https://bit.ly/38sE2zO
Diane, I’m so very sorry to learn of your health issues and accident. You will be in my thoughts. I’d like to mention that I was gifted a knife set and a cutting glove. I believe these were purchased at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Unfortunately, I was not wearing the glove and experienced a cutting accident. Needless to say, I use it all of the time now. Just thought you might be interested in the glove. Please take care and let others help as your body heals from the trauma you’re dealing with.
Just saw my email with your post. So sorry about your finger and other health issues that you’ve been going through. Prayers for a quick recovery.
Diane, I just wanted to thank you for the Chinese Almond Cookie recipe. I have now made this a Christmas tradition. (for 2 years). They are so good and had to go to the liquor store today to get some gin because I agree with you they taste really good with it!!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy NewYear!!
Mary
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Hi Diane,
I love your blog and your style! You have such wonderful ideas and collections! I have redone our kitchen and bathroom by myself and find your ideas and solutions super helpful! I wish I would have found them before I started these projects! Thanks for all you do!
Hi Jenn – Thanks for the nice comment. I am happy that you found me and hope I can keep inspiring you. It sounds like you are a DIY’er at heart. Taking on a kitchen and bath by yourself deserves LOTS of credit. They are the hardest rooms to makeover!!!
I just found your blog through a post on Pinterest. I LOVE it! Thank you for helping those of us who want to know how to live more harmoniously but don’t know how to get there!
Hi! I’m in love with the idea of The Planner Pad! I really think I’ll try one for this year. My problem is that the outside cover is SO BORING! Any ideas for jazzing it up? I think I would totally try the laminated-paper-glued-to-the-inside-of-the-planner idea, but it wouldn’t work on the outside. I’m wondering if Mod-Podging scrapbook paper to the outside would work. What do you think?
Not finished shopping yet! Hope to finalize it tomorrow. Ho, Ho, Hurry!
Hi Diane, I am mailing from the U.K. I have chalk painted a large mirror and am now ready to wax it. The problem is, I am having difficulty finding the correct wax. I wonder if any of your U.K followers has found a suitable one? I would love to hear from them. I don`t think the one you use must be available here. Love your site. Keep up the good work !
Kind regards. Joan.
Hi Joan – I have not heard from any other UK readers with a brand of wax and don’t know of any myself to recommend. Maybe another UK reader will comment here. :) What you want to use is a soft paste wax. Not a liquid wax or a hard wax. Is Fiddes & Sons available in the UK? It costs a bit more than Johnsons, but less than Annie Sloan. You can’t go wrong with Annie Sloan. I know that is sold in the UK. It is amazing wax. It does cost a lot, but since it goes on like butter – you will not need much.
The bathroom make-over is fabulous! VERY nice.
I absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for.
can you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome web site!
There were several references made about not using chalk paint on doors or trim. Could you please expand on that as to why chalk paint is not feasible for that type of application?
Your response is appreciated. Thank you
You could use chalk paint anywhere. If you want an aged distressed patina on your doors and trim, then you should use it. It will look beautiful. Some people want to use chalk paint thinking, Wow- cool, a paint I don’t have to use primer with. It is going to be fast and easy. Chalk paint is very flat and chalky and it needs wax to protect it. Leaving chalk paint unprotected will scuff and mark right away – not a look anyone wants. It is just as much work to wax as it is to prime, plus every so often you may need to re-wax – adding even more work. It is for thinkers who think chalk paint is an easy fix that – I would say – just use regular paint on your doors and trim.
Hi,
I made my own chalkpaint and have left it dry for 2 days now and when I try to scratch it off it chips very easily. What have I done wrong?
Susan
Hello
Well I have finished chalk painting one of my chairs. After all the paint I found out the chairs are not wood at all. They are a parchment marteral.
Now I dont no if this will hold up to chalk paint or not but I went forward
with it. I am now threw waxing the chair. It has a little shine and not so bad for my first time. So any comments wound be helpful.
My Best
Dotty N.C.
Hi Dotty – Chalk paint will stick to anything. The only problem that could happen – is the parchment could expand when the paint is applied. If it is already dry and you have the wax on it – the problem is passed. – I think it will be fine.
Now I have found your comment space. I have sent an email asking how I comment, then I found the space!
I would love to have a chance to win one of the handwriting books you are giving away.
My favorite letter to write is “B”. My name starts with B and my grandchildren call me “Bee”. I am always trying ways to make the letter “B” standout when I sign notes to the grands!
Thanks for the chance to win,
Brenda
I stumbled onto your site and I love it… I have had some decor ideas, but your are so much better and I love have the directions, makes it so easy. Easy and budget friendly, Love it. Thank you for putting up this site for people like me. :)
Really enjoy your site. Halloween book is intriguing. Although I have dozens of ideas and photos in my iPhoto album, I am always searching for Halloween and other holiday projects as I enjoy decorating for them. Halloween is actually my favorite one of all! charisse
LOVE your blogs and website. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the Apartment Guide Your Picks Your Style sweeps.
Really loved your stairs makeover. I am planning on sanding and painting my stairs too–you have given me inspiration!!
Just found your web site and love it. Great ideas. Thanks
I love the idea box, but what has me obsessed is how you attached the label to the box! If you have the time would you let me know what you used and how you did it?
Thank you for your blog!
Hi Gretchen-
I meant to add a link on how I made the labels. I just added it to the post. I attached the label with two brass fasteners that you buy at an office supply store. They come in many different sizes. I used small ones for this basket. I made small holes with the tip of pointy scissors in the basket so that the brass fasteners could go through it exactly where I wanted to place the label. Once the label was made I punched two holes in it on either side and then put the brass fasteners through. You can get a better idea here-https://inmyownstyle.com/2010/01/how-to-make-wipeoff-labels-for-organizing-your-stuff.html
I would love to have a canvas print made from one of the photos I took of my grandchildren helping out at our 2010 Susan G Komen, OC Race for the Cure.
I found your website by accident and fell in love…thank you for great ideas!!!
Just read your banquette post. You did a lovely job. I am considering doing one in our kitchen. I don’t know if I will attempt it myself or hire someone, but your post is very inspiring. Thanks!
Great site, great info
Thanks
I found your lovely and interesting blog through Finding Fabulous, and I’m so glad I did. Will be following to see more of your wonderful projects.