If you’re redoing your walls, a simple way of getting that time-burnished stucco look is to use Venetian plaster, which is simply drywall compound mixed with latex paint. First, paint walls a Tuscany color such as gold, cream or even a terra cotta red. Then spread plaster over wall in varying thicknesses – let some of painted wall show through. Then, you can seal it with a latex sealer if you wish. Or, you may want to check out wallpapers that imitate this look.

Keep in mind, whole idea is to create a warm, comfortable “lived in” look and you’ll get it using these ideas and some of your own.

Visit www.1st-Home-Decorating-Ideas.com for more information.

Something I always do as part of my spring cleaning is bug control. Our local feed store sells a battery operated fly spray dispenser. Every spring and fall I change batteries and replace canister as needed. We still have open range in parts of Arizona and when cattle come in they bring flies right along with them. I have found fly spray dispenser helps a great deal and it has a fresh scent as well. I have one by my front door and one by back door which helps keep them out of my cabin. Spraying pest spray inside and out is a must. Hire a pest control company or do it yourself but do spray.

A very important part of my spring chores is outside! All dry material is hauled to dump. Keeping weeds, leaves, pine needles and grasses under control is very important to help keep your cabin safer against forest fires and helps keep snakes and small varmints away from cabin too. We also keep trees away from cabin for same reason. This is also a good time to check all fire extinguishers and have them recharged if necessary. Make sure your garden hose is in good shape and attached to outside spigot. Yes, I am forest fire paranoid! I have a log home with all wood heat in middle of forest; fire safety is always on my mind.

My husband doesn't get out of spring chores either. Tuning up chain saw, boat and quads are on his list as well as outside furniture cleaning and grill but I keep finding him admiring his fishing poles. "Don't let spring fever sidetrack your chores, get work out of way!" As I throw out my dusting cloth and bait up my hook ready for friends and family to enjoy spring at our cabin.