Oh, superchick, we were not happy at all when we first saw our shingles. We had chosen a Tamko Heritage shingle without seeing a sample (didn't have it in this area) so we had to order them after looking at them on the internet. The lumber yard called my DH and said they couldn't get our color in the 30 yr, but could in the XL. The day the roofers started, we drove over to the house with such anticipation! When we pulled in the driveway, we were so disappointed because all we could see was red! We spent that evening going in and out of the house, hoping we would like them more each time we saw them. I posted a message here and on the paint forum with a picture asking for exterior color advice and got this great message from funcolors: "The roof is not your typical neutral roof color selection. However, it could be fabulous with the right colors on the body and trim. A serendipitous roof color choice." After looking up the exact definition of serendipitous, which means making a fortunate discovery by accident, I began to think of new and different ways to paint our Hardiplank. We came up with a completely different color scheme than we had intended to use but I think it will be really pretty. And, in the meantime, the roof has been completely finished and we are really happy with it now. So, give this some time and let your eyes adjust to the new colors. Then be open to something different on your exterior. I hope your roof turns out to be serendipitous too! The link below shows our roof at the beginning stages and the Hardiplank is still not painted yet! Susan Here is a link that might be useful:

I forgot to say that I graduated in 1980. I think I paid the couple hundred dollars myself. I was working at the time. One of my best friends who graduated in VA went with her class to Cancun, Mexico. She graduated 2 years after me and her parents paid thousands for her to go! Now kids go to Europe and Aruba. They also have more elborate proms, only a few "rich" kids had limos back when I was in high school. Now everyone gets one. I'm dreading the day when Lauren starts going to proms. I've already told her she'll be wearing the same dress to all of them or we'll be buying them used and cheap. And no limo.

Hi Kaysd, I posted a reply on the decorating forum!

we have done Elfa from the container store, first in our master closet, then as an office in a wide reach in closet, and then the coat closet, and the butlers pantry, and the food pantry. We used the metal basket type drawers and have the plastic liners in a few. Benefit is that the wire mesh doesn't leave marks in your clothing. Our previous house had the home depot version and the elfa is about twice as sturdy, feels solid and looks nicer.