A Window of Opportunity

Hello everyone! Before I begin, I just want to thank everyone for their kind and encouraging comments / messages in regards to my last post. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support. Sometimes when we make a conscious effort to make a change in our lives, there is always so much fear & uncertainty that comes along with it. But knowing that many of you can understand and/or can relate to such experiences, really helps me feel less isolated {and less fearful}. So I thank you all again - it means so much to me to have you all as friends and supporters here in blog land!!! :)

On another note, I just wanted to briefly update you all on what has been going on over here at "A Cozy Cottage in the City!" :) Those of you who have been following my blog know that our little "fixer upper" home has been a constant work in progress. Most of it due to lack of time...and unfortunately, also due to a lack of funds {yes, that's the reality}. So, I have already come to the conclusion that patience and some diligence, is what is going to keep our projects going. Our next stop: Windows! We finally have the opportunity to replace our windows this spring {or summer}. Thank goodness, because our original ones are old, cracking, painted shut {with no screens}, and definitely NOT energy efficient {it can get really cold in the master bedroom due to the drafts!!!}! But before we replace them, there are just so many decisions to be had!!! So I hope to look to you all for your opinions and/or advice based on your own thoughts or personal experiences.

In an ideal world, I would LOVE to have these custom, wood windows from Marvin installed throughout our home! The picture above is courtesy of "A Country Farmhouse," where these windows were installed in their gorgeous dining room! But realistically, we may just install the nice wood ones in the front {if within our budget}, and then the vinyl windows in the back & sides of the home.

This past weekend we got a few estimates on our windows. One from Home Depot and another one from an independent window company. Home Depot quoted us using "Simonton Windows" which are the ones you see in the above picture. They have various styles, but I really like the "double hung" grid windows that seem to lend to the original look of our home. These of course are "vinyl windows," which are much cheaper than the "wood ones." There are also other types of "double hung" windows - like in the first picture above. That one just has grids on the top half of the "double hung" windows.

Then of course there is also the option of having 3 double hung windows side by side in various sizes. Now my question to all of you is this: would you order your windows from a large company like, Home Depot? Or would you order your windows from an independent window company? It doesn't necessarily have to be a major {and expensive} brand like "Marvin," but could be a window company that carries different brands? What would you do? And if you have had windows replaced in your home in the past - what route did you take? I just want to make sure we are getting really good quality windows, regardless of whether we use "Home Depot" or an independent window company. Also, if you live in Los Angeles and if you know of any good recommendations here - please don't hesitate to let me know. Any advice is welcome! :)

On a side note, what I really love about our front windows, is that they came with these adorable original red window boxes. :) It needs a little TLC and once we put new windows in {repaint the exterior and landcape the front}, add some trim and shutters - I think these charming little window boxes filled with lovely flowers would really add some curb appeal. :) Because if I showed you all what my front looks like in its "before" state - you would see that we are in dire need of some help! lol But I will spare you the ugly details until the "afters" come along. :)

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We also have a cozy little front porch and plan to add some railings, and hope to do something like this to it:

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Ahh, the inspiration that keeps me going! :) Alrighty, thanks again and I look forward to any of your thoughts and insights about this window indecision of mine! :) Until next time, have a wonderful week!

XOXO's,
Jessie