Hello, fabulouses, and welcome to Throwback Thursday on VIP! Phew! What a fabulous year it has been here in Birmingham–it is hard to believe that the family and I took on the project of renovating the 1981 fixer-upper only a year ago. Words cannot express how happy I am that the renovation is almost complete! It was fun trading in my high heels and jewelry for tennis shoes and a tool belt for a little while…but after a few, long weeks of ripping out and tearing up…I was happy to have my sparkly jewelry and stilettos back again *wink*
As I was reminiscing December 2012 blog posts, I realized that for an entire month–yes, that’s right a month–I wrote brief blogs about the home construction. Oh, man…that was a rough, but fabulous learning experience.
Here are a few of the things I learned from the renovation of the 1981 fixer-upper:
When kicking in walls, it is always important to kick low enough so that you can more easily pull your leg back through the hole. No one likes being stuck between a rock and a hard place–or in this case, a piece of sheetrock and another piece of sheetrock.
Ripping up carpet is the easy part…it is the carpet tacks that will get ya’.
Wicker wallpaper is never a good idea no matter what year it is.
Okay–that is enough throwbacking for now. I must be off to bake some gluten-free brownies for my mom! I would make her do it…but she is not the best at baking desserts–no offense, mom *wink*
While I bake, check out the December 2012 archives here to see the VIP without makeup and her hair fixed. Woah! Say what?! *wink*
See, I told ya’ about the wicker wallpaper thing. Scary…I know….Check out the blog here to find out what room had this “lovely” wicker wallpaper…I kind of like saying “wicker wallpaper, wicker wallpaper, wicker wallpaper” *smile*
The new fall version of the Birmingham Home Show debuted September 20-22 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). The three-day consumer show spotlighted home remodeling, renovation, home décor, and fall outdoor projects.
In addition, the show brought celebrity guests including home improvement superstar Ty Pennington and Mark Brunetz, host of Style Network’s “Clean House” and author of “Take the U Out of Clutter.”
Throughout the show, two interactive stages were packed with presentations including culinary demos from local celebrity chefs and the culinary talent at Jefferson State University. Other demos featured experts sharing DIY projects that helped guests to save time and money.
More than 300 home improvement experts were on hand to provide one-stop shopping for guests–making the Birmingham Home Show the ultimate destination to shop, compare, and save. Exhibitors also showcased show-only exclusive offers for guests with a new program that identified these businesses with consumer-friendly and easy-to-identify floor stickers.
Both the Birmingham Home and Garden Show and the Birmingham Home Show are the only shows in Alabama endorsed by Ty Pennington.
With the Birmingham Garden and Home Show in February and the Birmingham Home Show in September, every homeowner/garden lover is sure to find something to suit his/her fancy! Whether you are looking to renovate, update, or landscape, the Birmingham Home Shows have it all! To learn more about the Birmingham Home Show and stay up-to-date on upcoming special events, please visit www.homeshowbirmingham.com.
While touring the Birmingham Home Show, I had the opportunity to chat with vendors about the 3400 square foot renovation my parents and I started back in December 2012. There were a couple of weeks where the VIP blog was not so glamorous and glitzy…it was more “kicking in walls” and ripping up carpet”–Oh, why did my parents buy a 1981 time capsule!
To see another side of the VIP! (see pictures below)
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Wendy from Champion and the VIP chatting at the Birmingham Home Show 2013.
When Wendy from Champion complimented me on my shoes, I just had to go over and chat with her! All of the ladies from Champion were so precious.
Me: “How is the show going so far for y’all?”
Wendy: “It is going awesome! We have had a lot of referrals! It is quite busy here today because Ty Pennington is here, of course! I am so excited, and I am very excited to be here for Champion as well!”
Me: “What all does Champion offer?”
Wendy: “We offer windows, sunrooms, roofing, and siding….We have a lifetime warranty protection so anything from Champion is guaranteed to last!”
Because of my overwhelming fear of tornados, I decided to speak with a representative at Lee’s Storm Shelters, INC.
Dear Santa or Birthday Fairy…please bring me an above-ground storm shelter that meets or exceeds FEMA 320/361 and ICC-500 Standards. Please and thank you.
Me: “How many shows does Lee’s Storm Shelters, INC. exhibit at annually?”
Representative: “The shows are new for us; however, we have done about four shows this year.”
Me: “How is the Birmingham Home Show?”
Representative: “This show has been good. It is quite a bit smaller than the spring show, but we have had a lot of interest in our storm shelters.”
Abby: “What is the difference between an above-ground shelter and an in-ground ?”
Representative: “Above-ground storm shelters are handicap accessible. For people who have claustrophobia, an above-ground shelter helps them feel more comfortable.”
Mark Brunetz with fans at his book signing at the Birmingham Home Show.Mark Brunetz chatting with the VIP…what did we talk about? Stay tuned for the wonderful interview coming soon!Ty Pennington on stage with Ronda Robinson from Fox6 News at the Home Show.Ty Pennington and the VIP chatting backstage before his appearance. Can you guess what Ty’s favorite color is, and what kind of power tool he recommends for the VIP? Stay tuned to find out on the upcoming interview! Whoo hoo!
Oh, the 2013 Birmingham Home Show was a lot of fun! I cannot wait to get back to renovating the house! Wait…did I really just say that? Yep, I did! Time to get back to helping put down floor moulding!
Y’all do NOT forget to stay tuned for the VIP interviews with the fabulous Mark Brunetz and the amazing Ty Pennington!
Hello, fashionistas, and welcome back to the Vintage Inspired Passionista blog! As you all know, for the past couple of weeks, I have had to trade in my snazzy heels for a tool belt as my family and I renovate a 1981 “fixer upper”. It has not been much glimmer and glamour lately on the blog; however, that is all going to change January 2013! Prepare yourselves for more tips, ensembles, DIYs, Accessory Challenges, and much more! What better way to kick off the new year than with fabulous VIP fashion!
It has been quite the adventure as I have learned to rip up carpet, carpet tacks, put down floors, paint with the color yellow (I always laughed at my mom when she said that yellow was hard to paint with…), pick out backsplash tiles, and tear down walls. By the time all of this house renovation is complete, I am going to need a spa day-a refreshing facial and a relaxing mani/pedi!
A strip of the wallpaper from the “his” side of the master bath. I cannot imagine having wicker wallpaper all over the walls….80s fashion was amazing, but their home décor…not so much haha:)My dad and I installing the new butcher block counter tops in the kitchen. Cannot wait to see them all polished and looking fantastic!
To see more photos of the home renovation project, check out Sweet Sorghum Living and Lolly Molly Art’s Facebook page! www.facebook.com/lollymollyart
You can read more of the VIP on my article @ www.realstorypublishing.com! The Adventures of the VIP in the Lifestyle section!
Town and Gown Magazine is now online as well as printed! You can check out my fashion spread in the November issue @ www.issuu.com/townandgownmagazine! My article is pages 47-49!
vintageinspiredpassionista.com 