Rug solution on the CHEAP!

Hey all, just wanted to share a way to get a nice area rug on the cheap!  I stopped into our local remnant store, Remnant City in Wexford, PA.  They are actually a client of my husband's credit card processing company so he suggested we visit them since I've been so desperate to find a rug of the family room that Mr. Tickles won't pee on so I though I'd give it a shot!

I couldn't believe how inexpensive binding a custom rug is!  I can get a huge 9x12 rug for about $220.00 bucks!  I was thrilled because I have been searching for a non-patterned solid beige rug, basically that looks like regular carpet.  I didn't want to spend a ton of a wool rug due to the fear of cat pee and having a 2k rug ruined, so this is a great solution!  I really wanted something basic and plain so it would go with any color scheme i decided to accessorize with.  Granted, it will just be nylon and not fancy wool but I wanted something soft underfoot and low maintenance.  They have tons of carpets from big name brands like Masland and Karistan too, so you know they will hold up!  And, if I hate it after 2 years, I won't feel so bad replacing it.  I'm headed up there today to decide between a few carpets since I couldn't make up my mind there this weekend.  I highly recommend them if you live in the Pittsburgh area.

FINALLY ordering new living room sofas and Patio help!

After years of complaining about our uncomfortable sofa that is no longer my taste, the hubs finally gave in and we're ordering our new leather sofa and love seat!  It will be a long wait though, about 8-10 weeks but it will be so worth it.  No more neck cramps and sore butts!

As I mentioned before in previous blog posts, we are ordering through a U.S.A. made company called Leather Groups.  They are a smaller operation but make everything to order, they do sell other brands as well but they make their own lines too.  They have 2 models that looks identical (well actually nicer) than the Maxwell and Lancaster sofas at Restoration Hardware, and they are cheaper, no tax, and FREE DELIVERY!  Can't ask for much more.  Check them out below, we decided on the clean lines of their Braxton and I cannot wait to be watching movies and snuggling up with Mr. Tickles (my kitty) and I suppose I can let my husband join me as well :)  We are ordering a 180" sofa and 72" love seat.  I may try to see about customizing the love seat since I think 64" would fit nicer.

Braxton Sofa from Leather Groups


Second part to my post...

We are dying to spend the summer outside, coming home from work and relaxing on a nice patio with a glass of wine or entertaining a cookout and most important, relaxing in a hot tub!!  Any advice from the people in the Pittsburgh area on who to hire?  Also, trying to figure our how much it's going to cost!  I know it all depends, we don't need anything too fancy, but I want a nice stone patio that's big enough for a seating area, table and chairs and a hot tub.  I'm praying I can get it done for 8k or less, but knowing my parents spent 15k on theirs and my aunt 30k (her's is CRAZY amazing though and bi-level with tons of retaining walls).  I'm wondering if I'm dreaming here on the budget....

Asphalt sealing, is this included?? Also, law service advice...

So, I realized our driveway was never sealed, and it's been 2 years, I thought this was something that Ryan Homes was responsible for the first time around?

Also, I'm getting estimates for lawn service, because our lawn is looking sad, and dead, and just horrible.  I called Trugreen, it's $49.95 each treatment for 8 treatments and they recommended aeration (which is a good idea and I think we REALLY need it, but it's 149.00! seems pricey)

I have also requested a quote from Kapp's but haven't heard anything back yet.  Any advise or recommendations in the Pittsburgh are?