Looking for unusual SHABBY CHIC lighting? Man have I found the place. Actually it is not a place, it's an individual who creates the greatest sconces, chandeliers and mini-chandeliers, I have ever seen. Really reasonable prices and willing to work with you to get them just the way you want them. Check out the website below or just click on the link above.

We ordered 2 pair of sconces and a small chandelier from her for our bathroom remodel. They are incredibly cute and people comment on them all the time. I give the website out often enough to warrent sticking it up here on the blogsite.

http://www.shabbyelegantdesigns.com/

MORE ON SALVAGE AND RECYCLING FOR RESTORATIONS

$800 for an apron sink for our kitchen remodel!!!
I'm not willing to forgo the spirit of the kitchen plan because the old, discarded farm sinks have suddenly become popular. How is anyone suppose to do dishes with one arm because the other (and a leg) had been sacrificed to purchase the flippin' sink!

Same with the wonderful Clawfoot tub, and pedestal sinks. For goodness sake! I'm glad they're back in style, as well they should be; however, the astronomical prices of the replica's is, well....ROBERY!

I found a place that just might be able to help you out with much of your salvage needs. (Salvage basically means that it is origninal "OLD" stuff that you can recyle for your restoration project.) If you are restoring or remodeling an old historic house you might want to check out "Recycling the Past." Granted, the prices might still seem high for the item that you are looking for but, I'm pretty certain you'll have both arms (and legs) when you're standing at your sink washing dishes. If you have a dishwasher...well...consider yourself spoiled:-) I say that in a good way!

http://www.recyclingthepast.com/

SPECIAL VALUATION FOR HISTORIC PROPERTIES

"THIS IS MY WORK IN PROGRESS"

I wonder how many of us that live here in the historic district are aware of the possible tax break we could get if we remodel or restore a historic home. For that matter...Real estate agents should be aware of this possibility and share it with their buyers that are looking in this area.

I would certainly like to know that I might be eligible for a tax break if I fix up an old wreck of a historic structure or make improvements to my "maintainence nightmare." It actually doesn't even have to be a wreck! Shoot...This could be the deciding factor for changing a "work in progress" to an awesome finished project. WHAT! A FINISHED PROJECT!!! The tax break applies to any historic property as long as the costs of the rehab are ....Well...just read the quote containing the details below that I pulled off the Pierce County Assessors website.

"Owners of qualified historic properties may apply for Special Valuation that subtracts certain rehabilitation costs from the assessed value of the property for a period of no more than 10 years. These costs must be at least 25% of the assessed value of the structure prior to rehabilitation and be incurred during the two years prior to application."

The application can be obtained online or from the Assessor-Treasurer's Office. The completed application should be submitted to the Assessor-Treasurer's Office before October 1 to be considered for Special Valuation in the following year. The Local Review Board will approve or deny the application. RCW 84.26