I like cookies. But not cookie-cutter homes.

I've always loved old houses because of their inherent character. I consider myself fortunate that I was able to reside in such a house while living in Milwaukee many years ago. It was 100-years-old, in a really cute neighborhood, and was three blocks away from Lake Michigan. What's not to love?

It didn't last though - just nine short months after living in my dream home, we had to pack up and move first to Ohio, then to Chicago so my husband could further his education. Since then, I've had to suffer through a string of what I like to call the "Cookie-Cutters" - as in, apartments and homes that have zero built-in character. It drove me absolutely nuts, particularly since my design budget was near zero since we were living on my income (grad schools don't pay students well, fyi) so I really couldn't do much about it.

Times have changed, yet I find myself living in yet another cookie-cutter style dwelling - in fact, it's the very definition of a cookie-cutter suburban model home. Although I consider myself lucky that I live in a nice house with an attached garage and a sizable yard (thanks to my generous parents who own the place and rent it to me at a super-affordable rate), I frequently find myself frustrated by the house's "Plain Jane" syndrome.

My husband and I have already started putting our mark on the place, but it's nowhere near where we want it to be. Hence this blog. Because, apparently when I post home improvement photos to Facebook they get more likes than cute photos of my son, which means at least some of you are interested in reading about my home improvement and design escapades.

So, let's get out the glue gun and hammer and get started!