New York Renovator

A few months ago, I blogged about a free magazine subscription offer, for Home magazine. I have received three magazines so far, and they are terrific! They are very well done, a lot like the Better Homes and Gardens or Traditional Home magazine, with tips for home design and small home repair, and beautiful photos. I have not been billed and have not gotten spam or junk mail asking for money. So, this magazine deal gets the New York Renovator stamp of approval.

The magazine is offered free to eligible participants by Mercury magazines, and you have to fill out a form. The link for the magazine offer is here. When I filled out the form, I left my phone number blank, and I was still accepted. Here are a few FAQs from their website:

When will my subscription arrive?

Your first issue of your subscription should arrive in 10-12 weeks from the time you completed your survey, provided you are qualified by the publisher. Please keep in mind that delivery time may vary from publisher to publisher.

What’s required to qualify for the subscription?

Publishers have a variety of criteria they use to determine qualification for their publications, and are solely responsible for determining the specific requirements needed for qualification. Unfortunately, Mercury Magazines does not have any influence over this process.

So I am happy with the magazine and I am looking forward to the next one.

Needing new custom blinds for your windows? I have recently had to replace some of my old ones. I am no longer buying those cheapo Chinese-made WalMart vinyl blinds. They crack at the slightest pressure, and it’s quite a chore searching for blinds that will fit my 150-year old windows.

Here’s a solution: No Brainer Blinds! I love the title, lol! The site has a terrific tutorial for those of us who are, to put it gently, measurement-challenged. These blinds are a breeze to order, to install, and they are custom-made to perfectly fit your window and decor style. They offer free samples, too, so you can check out the blinds before you buy. Best of all, they have a plethora of tips, advice, and installation guides to help you get and install the best-looking blinds. I love the wood styles. Check them out and toss out those cheapo plastic things! They’re ugly, anyway!

I love paint! When I first moved to this house, the walls, trim, and even parts of the floors had all been painted white. Talk about ugly! So that was the first thing I did, paint everything and add some color.  I added some bright colors to my walls and trim and spruced up the place very inexpensively (as compared to a gut-and-remodel). I even tried some painting techniques on some walls– lightly sponging diluted white paint onto yellow walls; blotching greens and reds for a different room.

Paint can save a ton of money, and it’s the least expensive decorating activity I know. It won’t save enough for Las Vegas vacations, but it’ll put a dent in the decor budget! So I’m always looking for cute new ideas to tide me over until I can get new walls, lol. I saw “doodle wall art” at My Insanity and was floored. Isn’t that beautiful! What a great idea, and doodling is “in” these days. Plus, when you grow tired of it, just paint over it! Love it!

Photo is from My Insanity, too. It’s a great blog to peruse for neat little things like this.

I don’t think anything can compare with the beauty and all-around classiness of Waverly designs. I’ve loved their designs- so romantic! - for decades. Before I got the house, I’d bought a big book filled with wallpaper and fabric swatches to drool over. I am slowly adding these designs to the rooms as I complete them. The next task to tackle are the living room curtains. We re-did the living room (completely gutted, wired electric, insulated, and re-walled and floored) last summer. It seems like so long ago! It really isn’t quite finished, because we still have the 100-year old windows in place, and I still have to install new window trim. And the room badly needs replacement curtains. I’m still not sure what kind of scheme I’m going to go with. The walls are beige and the floors are laminate/wood. It’s a very neutral look, so anything could go. I do love the Waverly Felicite Cornflower Collection! I think that may be more applicable for the girls’ bedroom (whenever I get to finish that, lol). But I do know that I am definitely going with Waverly for everything. I’ve already done the dining room walls and curtains Waverly-style (in red!).

I love Waverly designs. They are so sumptuous without being overbearing. And the designs have a unique “country” feel to them. Just beautiful.

HOME magazine by Mercury magazines is being offered for free to eligible participants. I entered. I don’t know yet if I qualify to get one. According to the form I saw, you have to enter in your information, including address and email. I use my “spam” email address (just in case). I also refused my phone number and the process went along. Choosing the “job” was hard– my career, that of freelance, self-employed writer, was not listed. I had to be a little creative. This is from their FAQ:

Are these magazines really FREE?

Yes…they are really FREE! There are no hidden costs, bills, or obligations. Unlike consumer magazines, which are available to anyone for purchase, these business publications are available at no cost, but only to those who qualify. While the publishers make no money on subscription sales, they are paid a premium by advertisers who want to get their message in front of a highly targeted audience. This allows publishers to offer them at no cost in a model that benefits the consumer, publisher and advertiser alike - everybody wins.

When will my subscription arrive?

Your first issue of your subscription should arrive in 10-12 weeks from the time you completed your survey, provided you are qualified by the publisher. Please keep in mind that delivery time may vary from publisher to publisher.

What’s required to qualify for the subscription?

Publishers have a variety of criteria they use to determine qualification for their publications, and are solely responsible for determining the specific requirements needed for qualification. Unfortunately, Mercury Magazines does not have any influence over this process.

Looks like a good deal, and the company claims the magazine is truly free.

Hat tip Freebie Reporter.

Looking for blinds for your windows? I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for online stores, and especially, discount retailers. I have plans for some new windows for the house, and there is no way I’m going to cover them in the cheapo Chinese plastic vinyl I got from the local dollar store! I’ve discovered a new website, devoted entirely to window blinds: Select Blinds. Select Blinds blinds are showcased on the popular television show, Extreme Makeover, by HGTV, and the CBS The Early Show.

Their website shows a huge range of beautiful window coverings from which to choose, and all are at excellent discount prices, too. I am in love with the basswood blinds; they are exquisite. I just love wood blinds. You have got to go and see for yourself. Prices are half what they usually are elsewhere. And there’s a coupon code to help you save 25% instantly. Use the promo code april28. The offer expires Wednesday, so if you’ve been wanting blinds, this looks like the perfect time to get some. There’s also free shipping on your entire order from FedEx or UPS (free shipping always wins me over). Check them out for great prices!