Outsmarting the tree rats (squirrels) around my house is a full time job. This past spring I hit on a new idea. When I plant a container I invert an empty wire hanging basket over the container and the plant gets sun and can be watered but the squirrels can't dig in it. Another idea: I bring in a lot of plants to "over winter" under lights in my garage. I have so many that it is hard to reach my hand under the lights (4 shop lights) to the middle for watering. So I bought a pump sprayer with a long wand and it works great! In late winter I add a little liquid Dawn detergent, few drops, to each gallon of water and not only does the soil get wet easier but the worms that are waiting to hatch into distructive pets just don't hatch. Don't know what it costs me to run those four shop lights all winter but I don't care. It is a small price to pay to be able to "garden" every weekend in the garage. Many people have mentioned that they mark their outdoor plants with a "permanent Sharpie". In my experience there isn't a "permanent Sharpie", they all fade and quickly too. A grease pencil/china marker or expensive "no fade" garden center marker are the only markers I have found that won't disappoint you by fading. Eight years ago I decided to learn about gardening so I tapped into my local library. I checked out nearly every book they had on gardening and learned so much. The Gardenweb forums are also a wealth of information and entertainment. There is always something new to learn and I appreciate all of you who take the time to write in your ideas. One last idea from me...I keep a small notebook on my computer table and jot down any idea I find that's new and I will want to try. Little pieces of paper get lost but I always know where my notebook is and also use it when I order "on line" so I will remember the name of the company and the order date. Tina or Trowelgal

Thanks for the feedback on the curtains. It sure is easier for me to do....nothing! Of course my dog has already managed to get tangled up in one and pull the entire thing (including rod) off the wall. And in less than 48 hours since hanging too! Thats gotta be some sort of record. Hopefully that doesn't happen again. Geokid, I wanted it your way too, and when we moved in tried to get it set up this way. I was vetoed and since I got to pick placement of every other room, I didn't argue too much. I can't recall the problem....maybe the dresser didn't fit on that wall? Some weird feng shui thing? nosoccormom - that light will likely be replaced with the oh so functional but not always attractive ceiling fan when we get around to it. It's close to a 100 year old house. It's been remodeled/rehabbed but not quite sure of how well it was insulated and how HOT it will get up there. We have lots of pretty windows, but they probably won't help much. Thoughts on a chair? It will obviously have to be small. I would love a pop of color over in that corner (I like color) but am not confident that I will find one that matches the rug. So how would another color like coral look? Too much?

Sorry found chair on Pinterest and turns out blog is 6 years old. I searched Lee Industries for the chair, but must be discontinued. Here are others from their site. At least you may have a feel for what you want and can shop around. Leather is also a good choice with a dog

If your mantle and mahogany choices are staying- at least for foreseeable future- I’d get them in place first, but meanwhile “ collect “ rugs in your inspo book - some plain, some patterned. If you have kids you may not want a solid cream rug! I do love that patterned rug as it makes the floor color look great yet blends warm and cool for gray walls/ furniture and warm floors , warm wood furniture. So much more interesting and lively than gray gray gray. I tone who thinks bits of black are ok with dark brown furniture or vice versa, not all matchy, and it’s not hard to repeat a few black accents. OTOH you might find a similar rug with chocolate brown. Meanwhile if you want to play with some colors and patterns IRL you could find some pillows that are returnable and see how you’re leaning. Pillows can be found cheaply but then may be … cheap. I always try to get removable zipper covers in fabrics that feel good, can be washed, and use feather inserts ( although some folks prefer poly fills), and & try to find ones I love looking at, then I can keep pillows fresh & switch covers occasionally by storing covers themselves.