Put some panties on dem windows...

In working on This Old House, I came to the realization of why it's so dark inside. Metal Awnings. On every window. The awnings are leaving the scene as we speak, courtesy of the hubster.
In addition to the awnings, there are light-blocking curtains on every window as well. I somewhat understand this as there are many large windows in the house. I on the other hand, love light. Lots of it, but I also understand the need for privacy. On an episode of some random HGTV show (I watch so many, they start to all blend together in my mind), I saw where they used something called 'Privacy film' to keep outsiders from peeking in. I thought this was genius, so I went and priced it. I can't remember how much you get per package, but I know it came to something like $30. This could add up! I had started trying to figure out how else to cover the windows but still have light. It suddenly hit me. Clear contact paper!!!
I remembered that I had some so I quickly gave it a try, and sure enough, it works! It's a very light adhesive film, so it doesn't leave tacky goo on your windows. I'm almost willing to bet that it's the same material marketed as 'privacy film'. Pffftt. At $3-5 a roll for a lot (I don't remember how much, but I know it was more than the 'privacy film' package) It is a substantial savings. I'm looking forward to doing this!
Oh, it's also useful for other projects such as wall art. Check out this instructable (not mine).

This old house

So we've gone and done it, bought ourselves an old house. The sweet old couple that sold it to us had lived there for 60 years! yes, almost twice as long as I've been alive. We fell instantly in love with the old world charm and huge family room. Dreams of an expansive crafting area, built-in bookcases and shelves, cozy atmosphere, and lovely hardwood floors prompted us to make an offer. Never mind the too small bedrooms, 1 tiny bathroom, and country decor and the knotty pine paneled walls and cabinets in the kitchen . When you're in love, you're in love!
Now it's ours, and the real work begins.
I've been ripping down wallpaper, which thankfully is coming down quite easily. What is it with elders and wallpaper anyway?! I also have been working to get rid of the country decor. The previous owners were heavy antique collectors, and they left us a lot of stuff. A lot of useful stuff, and a lot of stuff I have to get rid of. They did leave me a very nice round coffee table, and a nice buffet that I've been wanting for the dining room. They also left a lot of antique country style chairs that I'm not interested in. I'm sure these would probably sell well at a flea market or antique show, but I don't really have the time or energy or the space to store it. I do also feel bad selling certain things, like the rugs the old lady hooked about 50 years ago. Not only is it not really my style, but it I'm sure it's very cat- and dog-pissy. They're nice and huge! just not the right colors. I somehow feel that I'll wish I'd kept them in the winter cold.
Speaking of floors, I'm dying to un-earth the lovely hardwoods under the cat and dog-pissy carpet.
This old house is going to be fun to make into my fabulous new home, and I'll be sure to post pics.