Book shelf: How the Scots Invented the Modern World, Arthur Herman

If you're not familiar with my reading patterns, I'll read almost anything, but I stick mostly to historical romances , historical fiction, and historical non-fiction (I was a history major, can you tell). For the sake of not appearing redundant I'll save you from my reviews on romance novels, which are really a guilty pleasure anyways.

I just finished How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe's Poorest Nation Created Our World and Everything in It by Arthur Herman (2001)which attempts to show how even all the ideologies and technologies we hold dear were really the product of a Scotsmen. More than anything this book is an introduction to the who's who of the Scottish enlightenment and has rekindled my interest in David Hume, whose sardonic writings are right up my alley. I think it falls short and proving the the Scots invented the modern world, but does an excellent job of showing how they influenced it. Herman has a compelling argument for how the Scottish Enlightenment once exported to London and America influenced not just politics but also theories of education. He loses the reader; however, when his examples, especially in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries start relying on persons whose only claim to being Scottish is through one or more grandparents.

Overall the book was well written and easy to follow. The footnotes are particularly interesting as Herman interjects some of his own commentary on past events. The conclusions are a must read as they provide a unique insight on the Scotland in the last century. I recommend this book as an introduction to the Scottish Enlightenment and philosophy or to anyone with and interest in Scottish history.

Up Next: Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates by David Cordingly

allen + roth Olena Plymouth rug from Lowes

I've been stalking this rug for sometime at Lowes for my Family Room and was prepared to pay the $450 asking price (8x10) for the hand tufted wool rug, but as chance would have it last night I found it on clearance for $320. Even better, Lowes had a special running where you get a free rug pad ($40 deal) with the purchase of an in stock rug. It was my lucky day and this rug now has a new home. Now I just have to work on getting the new coffee table and I'll be set.

Marchella Demilune Console From Pier 1

I love the classic lines of this french country inspired console table from Pier 1. It has a mahogany top with painted sage green scroll works and the best part: It's on sale for only $179.98. I'm thinking it would look pretty great in my "foyer".The console table with its matching side tables can be found here.

Bloom Fresco High Chair

So even though we don't have a little on on the way or one at home, I'm kind of in love with the concept of this highchair. It reclines, includes a tray or can be pulled up to a table, has a 360 degree swivle seat, height adjustment, and a safety harness. I love that it is not only stylish but can be used for years and for so many different functions. At least that is what I keep telling myself to justify the $400 price tag. The entire collection of stylish and functional baby gear can be found at www.bloombaby.com

Seguro Coffee Table

My newest love is the Seguro Coffee Table from Crate and Barrel. I love the rusticness of the reclaimed wood top combined with the minimalist of the mahogany legs. It'll be perfect in my living room and can be all mine for only $700. I better start saving my pennies.

2008 Turkey Trot

Bright and early Thanksgiving morning, Cody, Stephanie, and Joan were at Mt. Trashmore in Virginia Beach participating in the Turkey Trot 10K.

$5,000 Modern Cottage Kitchen Remodel

The Kitchen is finally done and it winds up $5000 can stretch pretty far. We were going for a modern cottage look, and I think we've achieved it. I've included a list of vendors and tips for renovating a kitchen on a budget.

Cabinets, Lighting, Counter tops, Hardware, and Wall unit: Ikea

Flooring: Heritage Pecan by Swiftlock

Microwave and stove: LG from Home Depot

Dishwasher: Whirlpool from Lowes

Sink, Faucet, crown molding, back splash and garbage disposal: Lowes

Paint: Benjamin Moore Bright White High Gloss Oil based Acrylic (Cabinets and moldings) and Olympic Ivory Tower (Ceiling ) and Benjamin Moore Monroe Bisque (Walls)

Before Pictures

Tips for remodeling the kitchen on a budget.

Cabinets: Reface the cabinets instead of replacing them. If your cabinets are nonfunctional then only replace those ones and reface the rest to match. This is what we did and people can't tell the difference between the new and the old ones. Also consider by cabinets that you have to assemble yourself like from Ikea. Ya, it's a major pain in the butt but you'll save 50-75%.

Appliances: Opting for something other than stainless will save you a bundle. We picked white appliances that matched our cabinets, but also had stainless hardware and glass surfaces to look updated. Also we bought our fridge used for $200, it was 1 year old and in perfect condition. The original owners upgraded to stainless (their loss). Also buy energy efficient not only will it save you money in the long run but you may also be able to get a tax right off.

Countertops: You could easily break the budget here with solid surface countertops. We went with an earth friendly and budget friendly butcher block which not only looks great but is cleaned with just water and is naturally anti-microbial. Stains come out with a light scratching or you can cut right on it to add character. Solid Surface would have run us about $4000, the butcher block cost just $300 and we could install it ourselves.

Backsplash: We choose to go with bead board which was not only cheap ($30) but was easily installed by my husband. Also consider tin back splashes and waterproof wallpaper to make a big splash without taking a bite out of your wallet.

Lighting: Shop around but don't skimp. We found all our lighting at Ikea for around $150 about half of what it would cost at Lowes.

Hardware and facets: Again shop around. You'd be amazed at how the same drawer pulls are twice the price at home depot than Lowes.

More Budget Kitchen Tips:

Make a budget and stick to it. Seriously. Do all of your research ahead of time to price everything out and assume everything will cost 10% more. Next wait for it to go on sale. Lowes , sears, and home depot put appliances and kitchens on sale 10-15% off all the time. Don't forget to budget for incidentals like paint brushes, screws, and caulk.

Do the work yourself or find a handy friend that can be paid off with a pizza a couple of beers.

Don't over improve if its not your forever house. I know the $400 copper facet is amazing but its not worth is if you're only going to be there for a couple of years.

Pick one focal point to splurge on, but only one. The sink, range hood, or island is ideal for this. Or maybe it the countertops. Only splurge on items that will make a big statement.

Be realistic. Six burner gas stoves look amazing, but its not worth the money unless your a gourmet chef or you cook for 10 frequently. Put your money into something you use more frequently like a new garbage disposal, dishwasher, or pull out shelves.

Keep the same layout. If the layout is functional you'll save a lot of time and money keeping it the same.

Reuse whatever you can. Just because you are remodeling the kitchen doesn't mean you have to get rid of everything. If you like the hardware, lighting fixtures, or faucet then put them back into you new kitchen. Not only is it free but also good for the environment.

Don't forget the little things. Nothing will ruin a new beautiful kitchen quicker than outdated and clashing light and outlet plates. Plain plastic ones are 22 cents and will instantly update an old house.

Buy in stock items. If you have to have it special ordered count on it being twice the price.

Mike's 21st Birthday

Mike turned 21 of Friday, so we celebrated witha night out at Cheeseburger in Paradise.

Homarama 2008

The Tidewater Builders Association held their annual Homarama in the Ashville Park neighborhood of Virginia Beach this year. Some of the many trends this year were neutral color scheme, white slipped covered sofas, crystal chandeliers, walk-in wine storage, two story outdoor verandas, working shutters on the exterior, indoor brick walls, and intricate crown molding and ceilings.

The following are some pictures from this years event.

The Deck is Finally Done!

After 1 year of construction the deck has finally been completed! Here are some before shots from when we bought the house.
And with the new deck which we designed and constructed ourselves.
The gazebo and lights are from target. The furniture, pillows, and rug are from world market.

Coming Soon in 2009: Landscaping around the deck and organic herb and vegtable garden.