Highligh: A Treehouse in Columbus

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Highlight: A Treehouse in Columbus

What do you do when you find the perfect house lined with old shade trees? Build a treehouse!

That’s exactly what Mike and Jamie O’Leary did when they found their home in Clintonville, Ohio. All they needed was the right sized yard, an old tree that was big enough, and they were able to accomplish their dream.

It’s not just for kids, either! “I do yoga up there occasionally,” says Jamie.

Before this, they were living in Italian Village in a small industrial loft, so they really wanted to find something more “family friendly.” Although they loved living in Italian Village, they needed something more practical for kids.

The O’Leary’s wanted a place that kept them near certain things, such as parks, farmers’ markets, and libraries.

After a year of looking, they finally made a decision on the Clintonville house.  They adorned their home with pieces from Grandview Mercantile, IKEA, Clintonville online Facebook groups, Etsy, and Wholly Craft.

After moving around from Philadelphia, to D.C. and New York, they settled on Columbus to be closer to both of their families and found an amazing food and beer scene in central Ohio.

Mike aims to soundproof the garage for space to practice with his band, We Are The Movies, make the porch an art room for his daughter, finish the attics, clean up the yard with some landscaping, and making some improvements to the basement.

The O’Leary’s are very happy with their decision in Clintonville, as it is very kid-friendly and Clintonville did just top Columbus Underground’s reader poll as the Best Neighborhood of 2014. Let’s see if it can keep it’s title in 2015!

Do you spend any time in Clintonville, Ohio? Let us know in the comments below!

10 Tips To Save Money On Landscaping

10 Tips To Save Money On Landscaping - Rita Boswell1

10 Tips To Save Money On Landscaping – The outside of your home is the first impression people see. Whether you’re trying to sell your home, or just update the look, landscaping is a great way to create more curb appeal for your home. Landscaping can be an expensive project, but with the right tools you can make it work right within your budget. Here are ten tips to save money on landscaping.

1. Make A List

Make a list or a picture board of inspirations and looks you want to create for your home. That way you will have a better idea of what you need to purchase.

2. Do Your Research

Conduct research to figure out where you can the things you need at the most inexpensive prices.

3. Avoid Impulse Buys

When you go to the store to purchase the materials you need, don’t get suckered into buying something you don’t need because you think it will look cool. Stick to your list – and your gut – to purchase only the things you’ve planned to buy.

4. Don’t Overplant

Make sure you don’t plant too many flowers or shrubs in your front lawn, it can look tacky and crowded. Stick to a minimal look and wait until it grows in. If you still want more after that, add it.

5. Talk To A Pro

You don’t necessarily have to hire someone to do the landscaping for your home; however, hiring a pro for a consultation will be well worth the money.

6. Cheaper Isn’t Always Better

Don’t assume that buying cheaper will help your budget. Cheaper isn’t always better and you might end up paying even more money to fix the mistake.

7. Shop End-Of-Season Sales

If you shop at the end of the season, you will have cheaper and more materials to use the following season.

8. Be Neighborly

There is a chance that you’re not the only one in the neighborhood working on your landscaping. If you’re renting equipment offer to split the cost and share it for a day.

9. Check Out Craigslist

Some people are willing to just give things away. Check out Craigslist before you buy anything, who knows, you may find it for free.

10. Make Your Own Compost

You can convert kitchen and garden refuse in a hommade compost to improve the soil’s tilth, aeration, and water-holding capacity.

To learn about more ways to save money on landscaping, visit here. Keep these money saving tips in mind when updating your landscape before fall! What do you think of these tips? How do you save money on landscaping? Comment to share with us!