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About

Victoria:
Dictator. Procrastinator. Hoarder.
Loather of noise. Hater of disruption.
Adorer of the oversized and ornate.
Lover of fashion, wearer of pajama pants.

A blog about renovating and restoring our old Victorian house

Paul:
Magician.
Fixer of all things broken.
Mover of walls, slayer of lath.
Fetcher of unwieldy Craigslist treasures.

Elvis:
Swing vote, lap cat.
Leader of the revolution.
RIP sweet monkey, see you on the other side.

A blog about a husband and wife restoring an old house

The Blog, est April 2012:
Plaster. Disaster.
Marriage. Construction. Gardening.
Sinks. Paint. Demolition.
Dirt. Dust. Mess. Filth.
Sheetrock. Frustration.
Restoration. Tile. Noise.
Progress. Lack of progress.
Joy. Failure. Faucets.
Flooring. Disappointment. More noise.
Old stuff. New stuff. Budget. Over budget.
Chaos. Panic. Obsession.

Husband and wife restoring an old house. Construction, DIY home remodeling.

121 Comments

  1. Dana
    September 20, 2017 @ 1:20 pm

    I was randomly looking at very large expensive homes (I call them “Fun Houses”), and found one that will speak to you. They also love decorating with very large and fancy pieces, so much so, that they don’t have kitchen cabinets. It is on Trulia, and the MLS# is 7036716. Enjoy

    Reply

  2. Mica
    January 15, 2018 @ 12:29 am

    I can’t find where to message you. I hope you got this in time. The holy redeemer thrift store on county line road currently has a Victorian vanity set for there silent auction. It was only $80. On sat. It has the most detailed, beautiful large mirror (with a detailed stand). The brush, hand held mirror. A Victorian powder puff set (I think). A few Victorian glass bottle and a antique shave cup and shave brush. Plus the best part was the tray… a mirrored tray with colored stones detailed on the curved arms of the vanity tray. Good luck. ☺️

    Reply

  3. Heather Morris
    March 8, 2018 @ 8:55 am

    Somehow you popped up on my feed and I had a good LOL for reals with your Kingdom mirror…I think we could be besties if I was not on the complete opposite end of the state of PA (Erie)…I especially love the comment about the insane enablers…Count Me In!! How Ab Fab is that Mirror!!!!! Best Wishes 🙂

    Reply

  4. Kia
    March 14, 2018 @ 11:38 pm

    This has been a joy to read. I should be asleep, but I am laughing out loud. Your writing style is so entertaining and you do a great job of making your reader feel your excitement…as well as his frustration. Great job!

    Reply

  5. Becky Baker
    April 11, 2018 @ 9:17 pm

    I feel the need to tell you, after reading much of what you are posting, that I must most certainly be your long lost cousin/sister/aunt/best friend….for I am definitely your soul sister. Thank you for your wit, wisdom, love of cats, and appreciation of all things overly ornate and uncared for. I share them all. Thanks for an enjoyable evening.
    Becky Baker

    Reply

  6. C. Nelson
    April 27, 2018 @ 3:02 pm

    I seem to recall you asking for ideas about a disgrace? I saw the following article and thought it might give you an idea.
    https://99percentinvisible.org/article/finnish-dishes-simple-nordic-design-beats-dishwashers-drying-racks/

    Reply

  7. Jacquie
    June 2, 2019 @ 10:33 am

    https://www.thepetitionsite.com/embed.js

    Have I done this right? A petition that I thought would interest you

    Reply

    • Jacquie
      June 2, 2019 @ 10:36 am

      That’ll be a no, it was a petition to stop experimenting on cats at a New York university. I’m a technical failure

      Reply

  8. Susan
    May 4, 2020 @ 10:40 pm

    I’m a long time reader of your blog. I left for a few years because my own life happened. You’re a gift to the internet. Please post some more during quarantine. It would help me immensely.

    Take care,
    Susan L.

    Reply

  9. Christi Doyle
    August 3, 2020 @ 10:57 pm

    I just tripped on your blog and I think we are twins separated at birth, except that my construction crew is not quite so malleable as yours. If he enabled me just a bit I would have any number of items that I have a vision for in this house, regardless of whether they fit or not and without regard for how much elbow grease is required to accomplish the vision. Fashion is primary. Function is a bonus. It makes no sense to many people, but it does make sense to me. I’m going to enjoy catching up on all of your projects.

    Reply

  10. Marty Schoenleber
    September 6, 2020 @ 7:36 pm

    My second visit to your blog and you hooked me. I subscribed, even though I read too many blogs already. I can’t resist your writing, plus you keep referencing Philly, and you are hilarious. Tell your husband that after I hit send on this comment, I am spending a few moments in prayer for him for your next great adventure together.

    Reply

  11. Tali Simhoni
    October 1, 2020 @ 9:57 am

    If you’re wondering how to open the bottom of a dedicated cabinet, have you seen the DripDry cabinet dish rack installation kit?

    Reply

  12. Megan
    April 19, 2021 @ 6:30 pm

    Love your blog! I stumbled across it via another blog via another blog and now I have spent far more time at work than I should have reading your posts. I’m sure I’ll be back for more.

    Reply

  13. Ann
    May 24, 2021 @ 1:29 pm

    I miss your writing so much. I hope you see your way clear to resuming your posts.

    Reply

  14. Marli
    May 26, 2021 @ 12:00 am

    Yes! Missing your voice! With all good wishes <3.

    Reply

  15. Catherine
    July 22, 2021 @ 11:25 am

    Come back to us! Missing your humor, your exploits, your beautiful projects. Love and light.

    Reply

  16. KR
    October 14, 2021 @ 12:08 pm

    It’s very strange that on some weird u tube channel I have odd memories of, in the comments people are speaking in code and when I google lens the name of the commentor Victoria Elizabeth Barnes shows up as do different blogs she has written. It’s also very odd she is from the same city my boyfriend attended college. Hmmmm. All coincidence? Nope. I don’t think so.

    Reply

  17. Amy
    December 2, 2021 @ 12:27 am

    You are missed by your legions of devotees! ❤️

    Reply

  18. Alison Georgia
    September 12, 2022 @ 6:39 am

    Nice Post

    Reply

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