The Frugalist

Winter-Wise: An Energy-Efficiency Refresher

penny — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:58:00 GMT

Most of us are aware, or at least have heard, of the practical ways of keeping a home warm and safe in the winter. But let's face it, life gets busy and it can be challenging to stay on point with optimal seasonal and maintenance schedules.

With just a bit of dedicated focus on some of the highlighted items below, the small investment of your time can provide a return with cost savings, appliance life longevity, and in some cases, your safety.

Furnace

When is the last time the air filter was replaced in your furnace? If you can't recall, then it's been too long. Did you know, it is recommended that it be changed approximately every 3 months?

Filters catch dirt particles that potentially can penetrate the motor and restrict air flow. Dust build-up can eventually drastically reduce the appliance's efficiency and its lifecycle.

Filters also improve indoor air quality by reducing the allergens cycling back into the home.

How to tell if the filter is ready for exchange? Here is an example of both a clean and dirty filter:

You will want to pull the filter from the furnace to check it. It is typically located in an easy-to-find location. (See the top image.)

Be certain to note the specific dimensions to know the specific size for the replacement. This information is usually printed on the outside of its cardboard frame (along with arrows to show proper insertion).

Dryer

While on the subject of filters, do you clear out the lint trap filter in your clothes dryer? Ideally, you should check the filter after every dry cycle. Personally, I clear the residual lint buildup mid-cycle when drying heavier items like towels and fuzzy comforters.

The location of the filter screen varies according to the specific dryer model.

Moist air is created as the moisture is drawn from the wet linens. If the airflow through the filter is obstructed, this moist air will not be able to vent properly. The dryer will have to work harder and longer to dry the clothes. Keeping the filter clear not only improves the appliance's performance and its lifespan, but also allows for substantial savings in power usage and utility costs.

Dodge the Draft

Escaping warm air combined with incoming cold air from poorly fit doors and windows can create an uncomfortable residence, as well as unwelcomed utility bills. Draft-proofing your home is one of the easiest ways to reduce a heat bill.

For a quick fix with a drafty door, roll a rug or towel in front of door to block the airflow. You can also pick up an inexpensive "draft guard" at any local hardware store (seasonal item). If you are a crafty person, you can even make your own by simply sewing together a trendy patterned fabric (the width of the door) and filling it with sand or kitty litter for heft.

It can be fun to make a whimsical "draft snake" by simply adding eyes and a long, felt tongue.

Many older homes were built with single pane windows accompanied by interchangeable aluminum screens and storm windows. As the colder months approach, be certain to install the storm windows for the season. This is a no-brainer.

If you don't have storm windows, or if your windows are just poorly insulated, pick up a simple window insulation kit from the local hardware store. Insulating film is an inexpensive AND very effective way to help your home hold heat.

Water Tank

Water heating is the second largest energy expense for homeowners. This can account for upwards to 18% of the utility bill. Check to see what temperature your water heater thermostat is set on. If it is set higher than 120°F, moving that dial down to 120°F can potentially add up to a 9% annual savings in your water heating cost.

Obviously, desirable water temperature range is a personal choice, but this might be a measure to consider if being economically savvy is on your radar.

Adoorable Knobs – Repurpose Ideas for Precious Door Knobs

penny — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:30:00 GMT

Adoorable Knobs – Repurpose Ideas for Precious Door Knobs

For the past couple of years, I've been slowly (but surely) restoring my quaint little 1920's craftsman bungalow. I swoon over the original character found in many of the craftsman style homes like beckoning front porches, unique woodwork design and pretty light fixtures.

The challenge arises when the age of these lovely elements begins to near a century. Aesthetically, they might remain pleasing to the eye, but functionally, not so much. For the sake of deterioration, and sometime safety, renovations are imperative. Aside from more advanced upgrading like structural or electrical, I pride myself on tackling a majority of the projects on my own. This way, I carefully integrate the ease of modern comfort without losing the home's original charm.

Recently, many of the vintage knobs on my bedroom and closet doors were either slipping or sticking. Wear and tear over the years was taking its toll on the mechanics. Needless to say, it was time to replace the antique knobs. It made me sad to think about putting away those stunning, heavy glass knobs…until I thought of how to use them another way!

A decorative hanger for coats, robes, towels, or handbags. Displayed on the wall for function and viewing pleasure.

These little treasures can also be found at flea markets, garage sales, or antique stores. There is such variety of knobs to suit your style, from plain to ornately scrolled statement pieces. Drawer pulls can be transformed similarly into hangers for lighter items like scarves or dried bouquets.

Rustic metal knobs on a dark stained wood can add a touch of masculinity.

Idea: Mix and match, by alternating metal with glass for an eclectic look (or "His & Hers" Robe hangers).

Knobs can be affixed to a sturdy piece of salvaged wood or stained trim board from your local hardware store. Here are the basic steps on how to do this:

1. Clean the knobs and set them face down.
(Photo: Homeclick_varietyface.jpg)

2. Mix a simple epoxy resin (available at local hardware store).

3. Wrap the base of the knob (by the threading) with tape to prevent epoxy from leaking out. Fill each of knob stems with the resin and let it set for 24 hours.

4. Take a drill and make a small starter hole into resin of each knob.

5. Using pliers, firmly insert a hanger bolt (bolt with no head) into each pre-made hole in the epoxy.

6. The prepared knobs are ready to finally be screwed onto base board of choice.

Fresh perspective on an old item paired with a little creativity can add up to renewed life and beauty.

Bright Ideas – DIY Pendant Light Fixture

penny — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:16:00 GMT

Shine a light on your DIY skills!

Light is essential to any living space. Lighting fixtures come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They can be utilitarian, as well as decorative. If you're on a budget, it doesn't mean you can't also have stylish lighting too.

Making your own light fixture can be a really fun project, and you can up with something designer looking and truly unique. With a little creativity and basic, low-cost items, you can create DIY chic, budget-friendly lighting.

One of the hottest current trends is industrial style lighting. With a few basic, inexpensive items, you can achieve this look on a shoestring.

Materials:

Mason Jar + Lid
Pendant Light Cord (available at hardware store)
Hammer + Nail
Tinsnips
30 Watt Bulb

Let's Get Started:

Remove lid from jar. Separate the metal interior center from lid frame.
Unscrew the light kit connector, as shown.
Center the connector on the in middle of jar lid and trace the edge circumference.
Perforate following around the entire circle with nail holes. If necessary, use tinsnips to cut the center out completely.
Insert connector thru the hole and then reattach socket pieces to secure.
Add light bulb. For an added element, use filament bulb. These vintage style bulbs give off a soft golden glow and the visible filament adds a decorative touch.
Screw mason jar onto lid and Voila!

Winter Gardening with Vertical Gardens

penny — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:21:00 GMT

Now that winter is here, it's time to focus on some fun indoor projects. If you love gardening when it's nice out, there's no reason you need to give it up for the chillier months of the year. Here are some fun ideas that can work for both summer and winter indoor/outdoor gardening we found out there on the web.

Vertical gardens have been growing in popularity over the last few years, and they are a great option for indoor spaces as well as outdoor. They can add a gorgeous feature any room, and often look as pretty as a painting. A 3D one at that! They can be made in old crates and boxes, or anything that is shallow enough that it won't stick out terribly far on the wall. Here are some ideas from a blog by Miss Modish. The best plants for vertical gardens are often succulents and air plants, and they do well in shallow planters and are pretty low maintenance.

How to Turn a Pallet Into a Garden

This is a great idea from the people over at Life on The Balcony for people with a small outdoor balcony, and if you have the space for it in the cold months, you could just find a nice wall spot to keep in thriving.

This blog over at Curbly suggests using a shoe organizer for a happy little hang-up garden. You could easily move this on in for the winter months as well, and hang it in a sunny indoor space for a little extra green life to a room. You can hang it over a door, or right on the wall with a few simple nails/screws.

Another clever idea from Miss Modish is to find a cheap old chandelier and turn it into a hanging garden. This would be a perfect addition to an outdoor porch or overhang for the summer, and works for inside as well. It could also make a lovely candle holder.

And if you are moving some of your other green friends in for the winter months, and need more space, you should look into investing in plant stands, especially the ones with tiers, that can really help add vertical space for your planters indoor or out.

Planter gardening and making vertical gardens are both great ways to keep your thumb green and your spirits up while skies are grey and cold.

Painless Panes: Repurposing Window Panes

penny — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:11:00 GMT


Before	After

I recently replaced the original windows in my 1924 Craftsman Bungalow with more energy-efficient ones. What's a girl to do with a load of rustic wooden framed windows? Get creative!

A dose of creativity accompanied by a coat of paint and minimal hardware can easily transform these utilitarian objects into a myriad of super cool, decorative pieces.

YOU'VE BEEN FRAMED… for having mucho style!

Step 1: Prep

Clean up the old frames and panes by scraping or sanding peeling paint. A weathered frame can add an element of character if you're going for a distressed or shabby chic effect.

Step 2: Paint

There are a variety of paint products and techniques on the market to jazz up your design: chalkboard paint, crackle paint and trendy hues. *Be sure to check with your local hardware store to ensure that you're using the correct primer for the surface to which you are applying.

Step 3: Hardware

The specific project will dictate the type of simple, inexpensive hardware: screws, hooks, wire, fun knobs.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Photographs, corkboard, mirror, printed fabric and stenciled words will bring it all together.
Below are just a few ideas for inspiration:

Unique Photo Frame

Insert one large divided photo or several smaller ones.

Sweet Jewelry Organizer

Love those muted, beach cottage colors! Add flowers or gems for extra flair.

Mini Conservatory

Give your greens a little stylish shelter.

Kitchen Organizer

Great for recording quick reminders. Dedicate a square per family member.

Rustic Pot & Pan Holder

Add a little twinkle with a string of white lights.

There's something satisfying about repurposing tired items and breathing new life into them. It gives you a chance to be creative, save money and add something completely unique to your home that you can enjoy for years to come. Have fun with this project!

Holiday Table Name Tags

penny — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 11:00:00 GMT

'Tis that time of year, toasting to holiday merriment and cheer!

Family and friends gather around the table to give thanks. Perhaps it's your turn this year to host the soirée. This undertaking is usually accompanied by a flurry of planning and coordinating…and costs that can add up quickly.

You want everything to turn out perfectly and reflect your personal signature style without breaking the bank. It's helpful to have a few savvy tricks up your sleeve.

Here are a few crafty name place card holder ideas to dress up your holiday table and make your guests feel special:

Mini pumpkin - naked or painted a neutral creamy hue.

Fresh pear - simply stick pin to adhere tag.

Pinecone - au naturale or dusted with a little glitzy, metallic spray paint.

Affix personalized tags designed with a computer program or handwritten in festive print. Tea stain tags for a distressed, vintage look: Place 2-3 tea bags in cup of hot water and steep for 10 minutes. Brush tea bag evenly over tags. Place the tags on wax paper to keep from sticking. Once dry, turn over and repeat on other side. Repeat until desired hue is achieved.

Simple, inexpensive materials + a little creativity = affordable decorative and functional flare.

Happy Holiday Hosting!

DIY Home Insulating: Three-Season Rooms

penny — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 11:42:00 GMT

Adding an extra layer of insulation to your three-season room or porch will help extend its use into the colder months.

Chilly days are ahead, my friends, and that means rising heating bills are back and finding new ways to keep out the cold for your budget are back in.

Covering your windows with plastic and using draft stoppers at windows and doors are one way to help keep the heat inside. Hanging thicker curtains and putting down floor rugs are another way to keep rooms toasty in the chillier months – they keep the heat in and help block drafts. If there are rooms in your house that you do not use as often, be sure to turn of the vent and close the door to those rooms when they are not in use to keep your home warmer for longer and less money.

If you have a three-season room, adding an extra layer of insulation to accessible areas can make a big difference. You may even be able to warm it up enough to make it a room for all seasons. If your walls need insulation, it may involve a bigger project of adding new sheetrock over insulation, or having it blown into the walls. But, if you are just in need of insulation from below, if there is a crawlspace underneath the room, you can easily insulate it on your own without the help of expensive contractors. Here’s a quick explanation of what you’ll need and how to do it.

Supplies:

Polyethelene vapor barrier
Rolled fiberglass insulation
Protective goggles and work gloves
Styrofoam insulation (2-inch-thick)
Furring strips or wire
Staple gun and staples
Nails
Wire mesh
Plywood

How-to:

Use a vapor barrier to keep your floor above free from condensation caused by the new insulated area. This can be stapled up between the floor joists.
Roll out the fiberglass insulation sheets between the joists, facing side up, making sure it is snugly in place. Make sure that you wear gloves and a mask for protection.
Cut styrofoam insulation to the correct size and layer it below the fiberglass already in place. Nail or staple the furring strips between the joists to hold the Styrofoam in place. Alternatively, you can use wire crossed diagonally back and forth between nails to hold it up in place
Cover the entire area with wire mesh stapled into place to prevent critters from moving in.
Lastly, nail up a layer of plywood to enclose the insulated area as an extra layer of protection from the elements. Be sure to leave two small open holes covered with mesh on either side of the area for ventilation.

Chances are, if you’re room is not insulated from below, the walls and roof may not be either. Now that you are inspired from this quick insulation fix, you can move on to these new tasks knowing the basics and continue learning more about wall and ceiling insulation, giving you a room that you can use year-round. Just having the insulation from below as described above should make a difference in how long you can use the room into the year, and will help keep adjacent rooms warmer as well.

Giving New Life to Old Patio Furniture

penny — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 11:24:00 GMT

An afternoon and some elbow grease will get old patio furniture looking like new.

If you are not ready for a brand new set of patio furniture this season and think you can still get some mileage out of the current one you have, here are some tips on sprucing up the look of an older patio set in hopes of helping it last a little longer.

Cloth patio furniture is normally made with water-resistant materials. While this material is water resistant, and stops dampness from ruining the fabric, it can still become stained from dust, leaves and other forces of nature. Cleaning your cushions on a regular basis will help to keep the material from degrading faster than it should.

Fabric Covered Cushions

Fill a bucket with warm, soapy water (2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap works best) and tablespoon of borax.
Using a sponge straight from the bucket or a spray bottle, apply the cleaning solution liberally to saturate the surface on all sides, paying attention to crevices and creases. Wipe the fabric to remove dirt and dust.
Let the cushions sit for 15-20 minutes.
Spray the cushions down with a forceful hose spray.
If some areas have tougher stains that may not have come off, apply a stain remover and let sit again for another 15 minutes.
Scrub the stained areas with a nylon scrubber, then wipe the stains with your wet sponge.
Repeat your rinse.
Place the cushions on end out of the direct sun to help them dry quickly.
When the cushions are almost dry, spray them with a fabric protector.
Between cleanings, remove dust from the surface by shaking them out or using vacuum attachments.

Canvas Surfaces

Some canvas can be removed from furniture, which is great, because it is easily machine washable. If you machine-wash your canvas covers, be sure to but them back in place while they are still a bit damp to help them retain their shape.

If you can’t remove the canvas from your chairs, you can clean them up using a scrub brush and a bar or laundry soap such as Fels-Naptha. Get the brush soapy by running it across the top of the laundry bar and then use it to scrub the canvas. Rinse well.

Aluminum Chairs

Scrub your retro aluminum chairs with either a plastic or fine steel wool scrubber soaked in detergent. Rinse and dry well.

White Plastic Chairs

Mix 1 gallon of warm water with 3 tablespoons of automatic dishwashing detergent (contains a bleaching agent that will whiten the plastic).
Alternatively, mix 1 gallon of waster with a mild detergent and 1/2 cup bleach.
Apply the solution using a sponge or soft brush. Leave the solution on 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry.
Remember that his is just for white colored chairs, do not use on colored surfaces.

Colored Plastic or Resin

Colored plastic or resin chairs can be cleaned using all-purpose cleaner and water.
Baking soda is a also great cleaning agent if you are worried about scratching surfaces. Simply dip a damp sponge in baking soda and wipe using circular motions.
Rinse well.
Dry with a soft cloth.
Wax can be used to maintain the shine on plastic, resin and metal furniture. Be sure to remove your cushions first, as the wax can stain. Apply wax to the furniture, allow to dry, then buff it off.
WD-40 has also been said to shine up plastic furniture. Apply it directly to the surface and wipe with a dry cloth.

Battling Mildew

If you live in a climate that gets hot and humid, you may have experienced the joys of formation of mildew on your outdoor furniture and decks. While bleach is often used as a solution, vinegar is a great natural solution that can be used to inhibit the formation and spread of mildew.

Keep some full-strength white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it wherever you see any mildew growth. The mildew will wipe right off most surfaces, and the vinegar will slow its return.
To protect your plastic outdoor furniture and patio umbrellas from mildew growth, clean with a mixture of 2 cups white vinegar and 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap in a bucket of hot water. Scrub well using a soft brush, rinse with cold water and allow to dry well in the sun.
Remove mildew from wood surfaces by cleaning them with a mixture of 1 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon of water.

Keeping your new or old patio furniture well-taken care of will give it a much longer life and save you money in the years to come. Now sit back and enjoy summer relaxing in clean, shiny comfort.

Creative Ideas for Garden Borders & Edging

penny — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:19:00 GMT

Old bottles can add shine and color to your garden border.

Borders in your garden are a nice finishing touch to your hard work and beautiful display. For the DIY gardener who likes to take things into their own hands, and is not afraid to get a little dirty and a lot creative, making a garden border can be a super fun project.

Creating an edge between the different areas of your outdoor space will help accent different areas by adding separation, depth and texture. When using raised borders, the effect can be even more dramatic.

Get Creative!

While driving through the country or walking in the woods, look for different size and shapes of logs. You can find interesting rocks while walking, too. It might be hard to carry them back, so be creative with a solution for that too. Most of all, take inspiration from objects you see when you are out enjoying nature. If you do decide to take something home with you, just be sure that it is legal. Many parks and wild areas do not allow anything to be removed from their area, as this can disrupt ecosystems.

Here are some other garden border-sourcing ideas:

New neighborhoods being built have to flatten the land and rake the large amounts of debris. You can sometimes find interesting rocks here, and the builders might just be happy to have someone haul away whatever they want.
Many towns have a quarry. You can always find left over pieces of rock or marble. For more height, you can stack them tightly or use a mortar to keep them together.
Wine bottles. Are you or your friends wine lovers? You can save empty bottles for a unique border. Turn the bottles upside-down and create a colorful border of bottles. Adding fiber optic lights inside makes a very beautiful vision around your flowers.
Nearby quarries may have bits and pieces of rock that will serve the garden space as well.

Tumbled glass mulch is an interesting and colorful choice.
Old rain gutters turned upside-down can make a great border, especially if interestingly painted (art project #2!).
A retired hose can be great to shape a border, especially borders with curves.
Tightly stretched thick string can make a nice straight-line border.

These are just a few ideas for a special project that will leave your yard looking professionally finished and giving you a great feeling of accomplishment. It’s great exercise and the fresh air will do you good.

Home Plaster Wall Patching for DIYers

penny — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:42:00 GMT

For those of us that live in older homes with walls made of lath and plaster, upkeep can take a little extra time and effort. Plaster walls tend to form cracks over the years as the house settles or from wear and tear in busy areas that may get bumped into more often. Luckily, making repairs on your own is not too difficult, though it may require a fresh coat of paint once you are done, so it’s likely not a one day project, but definitely something you can do for yourself without hiring expensive contractors.

Supply List

Patching plaster (sold in powder form – follow manufacturer instructions to prepare it)
Joint compound
Curved tool
Putty knife or spackling tool
Plaster trowel
Fine-grit sandpaper (120)

The best way to fix a hairline crack is to first widen it.

Repairing Hairline Cracks

Hairline cracks in plaster walls are tricky, because they can’t be simply filled in. Because the cracks are so fine, they need to be widened in order to have enough substance to adhere to. It might seem a little scary to damage the wall further in order to fix it, but as we all know, sometimes things have to get worse before they can get better! What you will need to do is widen the crack slightly by using your curved tool to break off additional bits of plaster along the crack. After you have done this, make sure that you have removed all of the plaster crumbs and dust from your surface area using a damp cloth and drying with a microfiber or other type of soft cloth.

Using your putty knife, fill the crack with patching plaster, being careful to fill in all of the areas you just previously widened, so that there is enough surface area being plastered to secure the patch.

Allow the patch to dry for at least 24 hours. If your patch has receded into the wall, and is no longer flush with the surface, fill the crack again and wait another day. If the opposite happens, and you are left with an uneven surface that is bulging out, use a fine piece of sandpaper to smooth the area to match the rest of the wall’s surface.

Your wall is now ready to be primed and painted.

A hole in the plaster will require a little more work.

Repairing Holes

If the damage to your wall is in the form of holes, you’ll have a little more work to do.

Clear away any dust or loose plaster around the hole that will prevent the patch from adhering to the wall. Carefully carve under the edge of the broken plaster, in order to provide a good seat for the plaster patch. In other words, try to make enough space for the plaster patch to slightly ooze underneath the existing layer of plaster. It's possible to do this with a curved metal tool, such as a can opener, as long as you can get underneath the existing plaster without unnecessarily breaking out more.

Dampen the edge of the hole and fill with patching plaster using a spackling tool to smooth out an even surface. Make sure the patching plaster does not fill the hole level with the existing wall. It should fill the hole to a level just below the surface of the existing plaster - you want to leave enough space for the joint compound to cover the plaster patch and still be even with the wall's surface. Score the surface of the plaster patch with your spackling tool with vertical and horizontal lines, then allow to dry for 24 hours.

The next day, apply joint compound to the surface of the patch, spreading it just over the edges of the wall. When this has dried, apply another coat of joint compound, if necessary, to make the patch even with the existing wall. Sand even with the wall.

Your wall is now ready to be primed and painted.

Not too bad for a day’s (or two, or three) work. It’s great to know how to make these kinds of simple repairs to your older home. Not only will you leave your walls looking flawless, but you will add your touch to the layers of history within the walls that will last for years to come.

Cozy Up with Fire Pits at Home

penny — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:37:00 GMT

Check with your local municipality to detrmine if it's legal to have an open fire.

To me, there is nothing more relaxing or romantic than sitting around a cozy fire on a beautiful starry evening or a cool summer or autumn night. There are a variety of popular outdoor fire burners available today including fire pits and chimineas. But for our DIYers out there who enjoy a campfire style fire pit, and have a large enough yard to work with, building your own can be a fun and relatively easy project.

Shopping List:

1.   Bricks or Blocks (they come in a variety of colors and shapes)
2    Brick hammer
3.   Chisel
4.   Gravel
5.   Flat-bladed spade
6.   Rubber mallet
7.   Level
8.   Masonry adhesive
9.   Caulking gun
10. Sand
11. Bucket
12. Mesh wire cover

Planning

Check with local municipal authorities to make sure it is legal to light open fires in your area.
Check the weather for rain before you begin building. Your mortar can be ruined if it gets wet before it has time to set and dry.
Choose a spot that is far enough from fences, doors, windows, structures or plants that could be potential fire hazards. Also be sure to leave enough room surrounding for chairs and walking space.

Getting Started

Use bricks or cement blocks for the walls. After you decide how big you’d like it to be, make a test ring. You will need a chisel and brick hammer to size your bricks to fit snugly next to each other.
Use a flat-bladed spade to make a circle outside of the test ring of bricks, to mark the circumference. Move the bricks to the side and dig 6” around the edge, making a trench or moat. Make sure it is as wide as the bricks you are going to use. Add 6” of gravel and tamp it down using your foot, until compact.

Building the Brick Wall

Make sure the ground is perfectly level. Lay the first brick on the gravel ring. Snugly fit the next brick next to it, using a level to make sure they are the same height. Continue until you have completed the ring.
Stack the rest of the blocks on this foundation. Apply masonry adhesive with a caulking gun on the top of the bricks. Stagger the blocks in the second tier.
Add 6” of gravel inside the pit. This will be the surface for your fire. Continue on with your third and fourth tiers, staggering each as you go.
You may add an optional cap on the top tier if you want a finished look. Use the same masonry adhesive to glue the caps on. Lay the caps on the blocks or bricks and press down. Using a mallet, lightly strike it for a tight bonding.

For those not inclined towards the DIY project, there are plenty of fire pits and chimineas available on Homeclick.

Now that you have constructed your homemade fire pit, be sure to wait at least 48 hours for everything to set before starting your first fire.

Other Precautions

1. Use a mesh fire cover to keep sparks from jumping out.
2. Keep a bucket of water or sand close by, to put out any fire or flame in an emergency.
3. Wear a re-enforced toe boot while building to protect those toes!

If you are not feeling up for building your own this year, or maybe you need something that will fit into a smaller space, be sure to check out the firepits and chimineas available here at Homeclick. Some of the unique styles are really worth taking a look at, such as night sky from Good Directions. There are also accessories and covers available that will help your fire burner last for years to come.

Grout Removal for DIYers

penny — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:06:00 GMT

Keeping the grout in your home fresh, clean and new looking is not an easy task. Even if you are a diligent housekeeper, over time, grout can still become cracked, discolored and brittle from age. If you are finding that you can no longer improve the appearance of your grout, it may be time to replace it. The great thing for those of us on a budget is that this is another one of those tasks that can be managed in good 'ole DIY fashion. There are several ways to remove grout from between tiles while leaving the tiles undamaged. Once your old grout removed you can install fresh grout for a surface that looks brand new.

Some call it old-fashined, others call it time-tested.

Like most home projects, having the right tools can make all of the difference, saving you time, money and headaches. Here's a guide to the most commonly used tools for the task at hand. Before we get started, we must mention of course to keep safety first. Regardless of which of these methods you use to remove your grout, be sure to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes, a dust mask to protect yourself from breathing in any particulates, and work gloves. Keep in mind that this project can really kick up a lot of dust, and some of the grout edges can be very sharp. We recommend using a drop cloth to cover and protect nearby areas and make clean-up easier.

Flat-headed Screwdriver and a Hammer

This is really the basic old-fashioned way. This method is perfect for the patient types out there, and is great as it gives you a good deal control. Plus, it can be done with tools that everyone pretty much already has at their disposal. Just slowly chisel out the grout by placing the screwdriver in the middle

The carbide-tipped scraper can be found at most hardware stores.

of the grout line at a 45 degree angle and tapping the head with your hammer. Be sure not too hit the screwdriver too hard, as you risk chipping the tiles.

Carbide-tipped Scraper

This tool may not be something you have handy at home, but can be easily obtained at your local hardware store, and is inexpensive. It's basic design is made of of a handle on one side (always good to have) and a fine, sharp tip on the other which is used to remove grout running it up and down the lines. It is sharper than the screwdriver edge and doesn't require hammering.

Electric Grinder or Electric Grout Saw

This method is for the gadget lovers out there. It is the fastest method, but does require this more specialized tool. Both of these tools have special rotating blades that cut the grout for you, making short work of the task. They do however take extra skill and a steady hand, since their added power leaves you with more of a chance at cracking tiles.

Your carbide saw blades will need to be reaplaced about every 200 linear feet.

A grout saw will make short work of the project.

After you have sucessfully removed the bulk of grout from your area, use a brush and good cleanser to remove any residue that remains. It is important to leave yourself with a clean surface for re-grouting, as any old traces of grout may prevent new grout from properly adhering. All of these methods pose some risk of scratching your tiles, so be sure to take extra care. The project can be very rewarding, and for some, maybe even meditative (ok - perhaps that is wishful thinking). All in all, you will be glad that you were able to take this on yourself, and once things are re-grouted (the fun part), your tiled area will be pleasantly transformed. Knowing how to deal with grout can also prove to be helpful going forward if you end up with a broken tile that needs to be replaced. Stay tuned for our next post on grouting tips. Oh, and of course, remember to keep your areas dry until it has all be resealed by new grout.

Front Porch Décor

penny — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:10:00 GMT

Wicker furniture is a great choice for the front porch.

One of my fondest memories growing up is of spending summer on our front porch. It was relaxing, as well as interesting to watch the world go by with a front row seat! On those warm summer nights, we would open the "glider" and sleep out there with the family dog. Many nights my close pals would join me. For us kids, it was very exciting - almost like camping!

The front porch was always a stopping point for neighbors to sit and enjoy a glass of lemonade or another beverage and relax. Thought that was a long time ago (not that long, mind you), some things never change. The front porch has always been and will be a popular place in any home, to hangout with family or friends. Decorating this space can be truly fun, and the end result is a sort of fine "welcome" mat to you home.

Here are some tips on small budget changes that can make a big difference:

1. Make sure your seating is comfortable, but of course not so comfortable that your friends and family cannot get up! Too fluffy can be torture for Grandma and Grandpa and your older guests. Wicker furniture is a good choice. Sofas and chairs with colorful cushions and rockers with pretty pillows are a comfy addition. My favorite is a classic hanging porch swing.

2. Bring your porch to life with matching pieces. All you need is some imagination and a favorite color of paint. You can paint odd pieces to match and use coordinating or patterned upholstery.

Matching pieces will help bring your porch to life.

3. If you use wood tables on your porch, be sure they are not pieces that you want ruined by heat or a rainy day! If you are worried about these items being damaged by the elements, use a sealant over your stain/paint to keep moisture out.

4. Protect yourself and the elements of summer by hanging nice shades. Use bamboo or canvas/cotton, which is easy to hang. Curtains can be used, as well. They can easily be opened or closed when installed on curtain rods at the top of the over-hang of the porch.

5. Add a few plants and maybe even a picture. Use a colorful area rug and you have a comfy extra living space.

Now sit back and enjoy those breezy summer evenings, just like yesterday - but much more comfortable!

Storage Solutions: Under the Stairs

penny — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:31:00 GMT

Staircases often provide a lot of unexpected storage space.

In many homes, a great place for long-term storage is under the stairs, whether it be on the fist floor or the basement. The only problem is that sometimes, given the angle of the stairs overhead, the space towards the back can be harder to reach, leaving you with a potential mess. One easy way to fix this problem is to build a rolling platform under the stairs that can give you easy access to all of the items in that area. It’s a simple project that can easily be done in an afternoon with a trip to your local hardware store.

What you’ll need:

A piece of strong plywood cut to the size of the area under the stairs.
4 large casters strong enough to hold up what you will be using the platform to store. Rubber wheels are ideal.
A strip of wood 1x2 or short canvas straps.
Nails.
Wood screws for attaching the casters.
Stapler (if using the canvas straps – see below).

A little creativity goes a long way with staircase storage.

How-to:

Attach the casters to the underside of your piece of plywood.
Nail the 1x2 strip across the front edge of the plywood as a handle for pulling the new dolly out from under the stairs. Alternatively, you can staple canvas straps under the front facing side of the dolly so that you can grab them to pull it out to reach items stored in the back.
Stack your items neatly on the dolly with the most needed towards the front.

This easy little project is a great way to help keep things orderly in your storage area. You might consider a taller, shallow shelf at the taller end of the stairs as additional storage. This concept can also be great in attics as well.

Fun For the Backyard

penny — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:39:00 GMT

Keep Out!

Your backyard can be a special place growing up. Many of us remember how exciting it was to play, build forts and hide out in our yards and neighborhoods with friends as kids. Best of all were the private places we loved like the "no girls allowed club" or the "kids only" areas. There is something quintessential about the "Keep Out" sign tacked up in front of your own personal domain that was part of the fun of growing up. If you were lucky enough to have a tree-house, that was really something special.

While it might seem like a big endeavor, building a tree house doesn't have to be rocket-science, depending on your desired level of construction and design.

Here's how to impress your kids with a special hangout to call their own. It won't hurt that you might get them out of your hair for an hour or two on the weekends, either, we won't tell… Tree houses are a great way to make many wonderful memories, and best of all - they are not far from home.

Things you need:

1. Plywood
2. Hammer
3. Nails
4. Saw
5. Wood Glue
6. Imagination

Get Started

Choose a Tree: The branches should be strong enough to handle the weight of the house, kids and pets. Do not use the trunk to attach the house as it may damage the tree. Make sure there are branches low enough to break falls, you don't want any injuries.

Design and Cut: You will need at least 7 sheets of strong plywood. Design your windows and door, and draw them onto the wood with a pencil. Once your designs are in place cut them into the wood using a rotary saw. Use at least two sheets of plywood for the floor, and be sure to check its strength by walking across the wood.

Taking Form: Form the tree house by nailing all of the sides together and reenforcing with nail glue. Use the remaining wood to build the roof of your tree house. If you want an open door, you can use a sheet to tack to the opening.

Steps and Ladders: Choose a design and build steps or a ladder.A child's tree house should not be any higher than 5 feet off of the ground.Make sure the steps are easy to climb for the best kid-friendly tree house.

Cozy it up: Add a rug or two and a few waterproof pillows to make it homey. Or jars of bugs, if that works better for you.

Don't forget, unless you are invited – Keep Out!

Backyard Swing

All you need for a swing is a board or tire and some rope – it's that simple! Here are some tips.

Hemp rope is good for gripping, and it won't stretch out of shape.
The thicker the rope, the better the grip.
Rope should be twice as long as the distance from the branch to the ground.
Throw your rope over a thick, sturdy branch
Tie a slip-knot and pull tight.
A thick board or an old tire can be used for a seat.

Have fun!

Gardening on a Budget

penny — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:00:00 GMT

A green, flourishing garden doesn't need to require a ton of money or time. Follow these tips for a healthy garden on a budget.

With all the warm weather this winter, I know I've thought about getting my gardening tools out! I am lucky to have a large area in my yard for a garden. Some people have small spaces with hardly enough room to plant what they like. Make the best with the space you have, even if it’s just a couple of window boxes, and enjoy the relaxing benefits of home gardening.

If you are low on space and interested in container gardening, there are loads of options out there for you, such as hanging gardens, pot planters and raised beds, which are great not only for small spaces, but for gardeners who may have mobility restrictions. Here is another blog sharing some creative ideas for making smaller herb container gardens.

Here are some other ideas for keeping your gardening project budget friendly.

1. Share a Space: Gardening is always more fun when you can share it with someone. Share a bigger space and grow what you like, and then you can share the crop, as well as the work load if you take turns tending the garden.

2. Grow Favorites: Take a little time to plan and write down exactly what you want to grow. Think about the foods that you and your family enjoy most. If possible, try to stagger your crops so that they don’t all have to be harvested at the same time. This will help you enjoy your garden through the year for as long as possible.

3. Party! Have a party with fellow gardeners and swap seeds and plants. Have everyone bring in some samples and exchange with each other. This is a great way to also share tips and tricks.

4. Make Your Own Compost: Use kitchen scraps from veggies and fruits. Coffee grounds are great as well. Add dead leaves and cuttings from you grass. It's a cheap way to fertilize. There are loads of great sites out there to get you started.

5. Tools: Don’t buy anything too fancy. All you really need are a few of the basics: a shovel, hoe, spade and some garden shears. You’ll be surprised at how much you can do with your hands alone.

Gardening is a wonderful way to get plenty of fresh air and a little exercise. It’s also a great family activity that kids will love while learning about nature, science and cooking. And of course, who wouldn’t love having all the delicious fresh veggies!

DIY Curtain Wires

penny — Thu, 31 May 2012 12:17:00 GMT

Light-weight curtains don't need heavy-duty curtain rods to hold them up.

These days, many people are moving away from the heavy drapery styles that you might remember from the days spent at your grandparents’ house. They often require custom installs and special hardware that can become very costly. While this style can be cozy or even grand in the right house, it can often be too heavy for certain living spaces, block out light and making rooms too dark and dreary.

Light-weight curtains that allow for light to come in, but yet give you the privacy you need are a great update for any home. Since these types of curtains are so much lighter in weight, they also don’t require bulky hardware to hold them up. This allows you to use more streamlined hanging hardware that will give your room a cleaner, more airy feel.

Hanging a curtain from a wire/cable is one way you can create a great look on a tight budget. This also works well for hanging curtains close to the ceiling as a room divider, or for covering wide expanses that normally require extra hardware. Using wire is also a perfect way to hang a tapestry on the wall without having the center sink down in the middle. (You might remember this from ill-fated dorm room wall coverings – tie-dye, Bob Marley print, etc.)

What you’ll need:

Fabric/curtain
Turnbuckle anchors - make sure the anchors are the right size for the thickness of your cable.
Cable – 14” gauge should work well, though you may want thicker if your curtains are heavier or very wide.
Curtain clips (optional).

Some inexpensive anchors and cable are all you need to bring cable wire curtains into your bathroom.

How-to:

Measure the window or wall space between your anchoring points.
Have the hardware store cut you the length of the cable necessary, adding an extra 8-10 inches to make installation easier.
Making sure that they are level with precise measuring, drill your starter holes for hanging your anchors.
Install your turnbuckle anchors in the pre-drilled holes you have created, making sure they are tight and secure.
Insert one end of your cable to the turnbuckle and tighten until secure.
Slip your fabric over the cable, (or thread curtain clips through cable if you are using them) pull the cable across and fasten to the other turnbuckle, making sure it’s straight.
Tighten the cable until it’s nice and taught.

If you’d like, you can purchase some small clips to hang from the wire, so that the curtain slides easily, and can be removed easily for washing.

Cable curtain hangers are a great solution for rooms that you’d like to change often, diving spaces and hanging textiles. There are kits available out there if you would like something a little fancier, but this project can easily be done after just a quick trip to the hardware store, and it should only cost you $10-15.

Painting Tools to Make Your Life Simpler

penny — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:36:00 GMT

The right painting tools will make all the difference in your next paint job.

We’ve all been there – having the idea that painting a room, or an entire house for that matter, will be fun, so why not do it ourselves? In an attempt to save money, we take on the job of painting, only to realize that it’s never as easy as we remembered it from that time we helped a friend paint their house one afternoon back in the day. Half a day into a big painting project, I am pretty sure most of us have some regrets. If you decide to take it on anyway, here are some tips that will help the challenge be as headache-free as possible.

Very Important Things to Remember

Get friends to help. Painting parties are the only way this DIY job is any fun. The investment of beer and pizza is well worth retaining your sanity.
Don’t buy the cheapest paint. You’ll regret it, take it back, and end up spending more in the end.
Don’t skimp out and only do one coat, or you won’t be as impressed with yourself afterwards when you see the thinner areas. You want to be able to regularly pat yourself on the back for a job well done, so be sure to do it right. (This may require two painting parties.)
Have the right tools.

I’ll leave the party organizing to you, and list a few of my favorite tools that will help you cut down on stress, time, and broken windows from paintbrushes thrown in frustration.

Handy Tools

A Good, Sturdy Step Ladder
Unless you are over 6 foot, the kitchen step stool is just not going to cut it for this project, especially if you have ceilings any higher than 8 feet. It might just work, but you will likely be just short enough that you have to stretch more that you want when taping and painting, and will be left with very sore ankles from too much tippy-toed action. It might be hard to believe that you can ache so much from just stepping onto your toes repeatedly, but trust me, your ankles will thank you later.

Clean Rags
You’ll definitely want to have some clean, soft rags that you can dampen and quickly clean up mistakes as you go, rather than dealing with tiny disasters later.

Corner Painting Roller
This little roller runs right up the corners, where your standard roller can’t quite reach, so you won’t have to go back in with brushes to cut into the corners. The only spot left that you might need the brushes is the very top corner, which will now be simple and quick thanks to this guy.

2” Painters Tape
Make sure you this thicker sized tape if you are using rollers, because you can paint right up against it and not touch the untapped wall/ceiling. It’s definitely worth the extra 50 cents. Tip: Remove tape from the wall while the paint is still wet to avoid unhappy edges after the paint has dried.

Paint Roller Extension Polls
Even if your ceilings are not very high, extension polls make a world of difference in reach, coverage and leverage. They will help you cover a wall in lightning speed. Tip: Roll paint onto wall in a W or M shape first, then spread out from there to cover wall evenly.

Other Things to Consider

No matter how careful you are, there always seems to be that one little spot the roller touched when you getting tired, or where the tape wasn’t applied perfectly. It’s helpful to have small and tiny rollers for inevitable touch-ups that you’ll need to do after the tape comes down. When buying rollers, check to make sure that you are using the proper nap for the texture of your walls and the type of paint you are using.

Lastly, consider the 5-gallon bucket with roller tray combo that is an inexpensive method that will keep you rollin’ in the paint without drying up, saving time and materials. See video details on this technique here.

Now you just have to choose the colors, but that’s a whole other blog post. Best of luck!

Make Your Own Vintage Blue Mason Jars

penny — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:36:00 GMT

You, too, can adorn your kitchen with classic blue mason jars!

I love collecting old jars and different colored bottles. Many house the stones and rocks I enjoy collecting. I especially love the vintage blue mason jars. For more than a hundred years they’ve been used for canning fruits and vegetables and making jelly. They are still widely used for that purpose today, but when not filled with delicious treats, these beauties can also make themselves useful in many other ways around the house. They can be used for candles, terrariums, vases, change, buttons, coffee, tea and even a lightning bug or two. I even use them in the garage to store nuts, bolts, screw and nails. There are endless ideas! My favorite vintage blue makes a beautiful, yet simple vase for fresh flowers.

Often, the blue variety can be hard to find or overpriced in antique stores, but the secret trick that most people don’t know is that you can turn them blue on your own. To avoid hunting through flea markets and searching on-line for these pretty blue jars, follow this simple process to make them your own. It is an easy, fun project.

Materials

Ball Mason Jars- (you can buy in bulk)
Vitrea 160 - Turquoise Paint
1 Tube of Vitrea Thinner (use 4 parts to 1 part paint-mix together)
Fan Brush, Sponge Applicator or Lint Free Stain Pads
Palette (can be a piece of plastic or wax paper)

Directions

Apply small (button size) amount of paint and 3-4 times more thinner on palette and mix. Remember not much color is needed to get the transparency in the blue color.
Turn jar upside down and apply from bottom of jar to top in very thin coats. Add a little extra to the bottom of the jar. Any streaks should disappear after baking.
Dry for a full 24 hours.
Bake in oven approximately 40 minutes at 375 degrees. (Check manufacturer instructions on paint)
Let dry and enjoy!

Mosaic Stepping Stones for Your Garden or Pathway

penny — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:13:00 GMT

A stepping stone mosaic is a great way to personalize your yard.

In just a few easy steps, you can make your own art pieces and use them to create a path through your garden, adding color and personalizing your yard. You can use as stepping stones through the garde, or as a pretty pathway to your favorite spot in the yard. You can memorialize favorite pets or even friends and family that live far away. Be creative!

There are several ways to make stepping stones. You can use concrete and fiberglass molds or you can use grout and apply to the top of a pre-made stone or unglazed tiles.

Here are some directions using the concrete and fiberglass mold methods.

Ideas for the mosaic art:

broken colored glass
decorative glass pieces
mirror tiles (in different shapes and sizes)
glass tiles
shells
jewels (not real ones... unless you really feel like splurging!)
letter cubes
marbles
broken ceramic pieces

Supplies you will need:

bucket
quick-setting concrete mixture
stirring paddle
water
fiberglass molds
spray lubricant (such as WD-40)
concrete sealer
optional: concrete color mix
lots of Imagination and fun ideas!

Mosaics are an opportunity to commemorate faithful members of the family.

How-To:

In a bucket add concrete mix and water, stirring constantly with paddle until it resembles a cake batter consistency. If color is desired in concrete, use optional concrete color mix and add per instructions. Spray molds with lubricant or WD-40. Pour in the mixture and add your mosaics. Push the pieces down into the mixture so that they are flush with the concrete.

Allow to dry for 48 hours. During the 48 hours, occasionally spray or sprinkle with water, so it will not crack. After the concrete is dry, turn upside down and gently tap (like a cake!).

Your last step is to apply the concrete sealer. Let dry another 12 hours before setting in the garden.

This is a fun project for you or for your whole family. Now when you tip-toe through the garden you can admire your beautiful artwork as well as the peacefulness of the outdoors. And best of all, for many years to come you can still reminisce over the fun you had making memories for your garden.

Caution: Stones may be very slippery when wet, like after a rain, so take care.

Creative Re-Use: Plastic Bag Rugs

penny — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:31:00 GMT

Put those piled-up plastic bags to better use

If you are like me, my plastic bag holder is at maximum capacity. Even though I do my best to bring a reusable bag when I go shopping, or at least get brown bags that I can reuse for recycling or compost later on, I somehow still have quite a heap of these plastic beasts around, taking up space, and reminding me of how much longer their life span is compared to my own.

Good Green Rules to Follow

Use reusable bags whenever possible.
Choose brown paper bags at the store, and reuse them to take out your recycling and compost. You’ll find those handles come in very handy.
If you do have plastic bags that you are not intending to re-use, take them to be recycled if your local grocery has one of those drop-off areas. These bags are melted and then made into more bags, which is great for re-use, but not terribly nice to the environment.
Save the bags, and when you have enough, use them to create something new and exciting that you can feel good about.

Here are some instructions on how to make a rug from discarded plastic shopping bags. If you know how to knit, crochet or braid, you can get creative with your design and try your own style.

Materials Needed

Lots of plastic grocery bags, produce bags, newspaper bags, etc. You will also need a crochet hook of any size, though an N9 size is preferred by many. You can also just knot the strands together using loom techniques.

Cut the bags lengthwise into 1/2 inch strips.

Preparation

Once you have about 150 bags, make sure they are clean, and sort them by color.
Cut the handles off the tops of the bags, and cut the bags at the seam.
Cut the bag lengthwise into ½ inch strips.
Use the strips of different colors to create whatever design you desire, whether patterned or random.

For more detailed instructions on how to make yarn, or “plarn” as it is often called, from plastic bag strips, check out this great blog post on Instructables.com.

Rug Crafting Instructions

Once you have your plarn ready, check out these great resources for detailed instructions and photos.

Homestead Weaver: crocheted and braided
E-How: How to make a plastic bag rug using a homemade loom.
Mookychick: Environmental Art - plastic bag rugs.

You can also use your newly crafted plastic bag yarn to create stylish bags, or even sandals. For softer items, the same technique can also be used with fabric scraps cut into strips. These are great for bags, hot pads, rugs and loads more. For even more ideas, check out the collection on The Sietch Blog.

Chair Reupholstery 101

penny — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:13:00 GMT

I simple reupholstery job can make an old chair look new.

If you are like me, and over time have purchased some furniture on the cheap at yard sales and such, or happily accepted donations from friends and family, you may have come to realize that you often get what you pay for, especially when what you pay is nothing! What is also good to know is that you can re-vamp some of these oldies but goodies to gussy them up into items that you’ll want to stay around.

For several years, I had a kitchen table with matching chairs that had rather boring blue fabric chair pads. When I was ready to give them a little face-lift, I decided to go the retro road and bought some inexpensive but nicely sparkly and colorful vinyl. It was such an easy project, I did four chairs in just 2 hours, and was able to impress my then 18-year-old niece in the process, which was a clear win for me.

You don’t have to go the sparkly retro route yourself, but you can change your seats up easily with come inexpensive upholstery from your local fabric store. Try to steer yourself towards fabrics that are sturdier and will stand up to a good cleaning, such as thicker fabric or vinyl materials. If using a thicker fabric, you might want to give it a spray with a stain resistor like Scotchgard to make it last longer as well.

How To

With your chosen fabric, scissors/utility knife, pen, screwdriver and staple gun, you’ll be half way to new chairs.

Steps:

Flip the chair over and remove the hardware that is holding the seat pad to the chair frame.
Using a pair of pliers and screwdriver, remove the staples holding the fabric in place, then remove the fabric.
Once you have the chair pad removed, place it on top of the new fabric (fabric facing down) and trace the shape of it onto the back of the fabric.
Draw a line 2 inches from the perimeter of the shape you have just drawn in order to give you extra edges to work with.
Cut the corners slightly so that the fabric will fold flush against the back of the cushion when stapled.
Get to stapling! Staple the fabric onto the back of the chair pad, pulling the fabric as taut as possible. Don’t worry if there is extra around the edges, this can always be trimmed when you are done with your fine staple work.
Once the fabric is stapled all around the seat base and is smooth on the front side, trim the extra bits of fabric around the edges.
Flip the seat pad back into place on the chair and screw it in as it was originally.
Admire your work.
Have a seat.

Et voila! Enjoy the new chairs that will bring new energy and life to your kitchen/dining room. They will surely look great, and you can have the satisfaction of knowing that you did it yourself, which makes it much more unique and saved you a bunch of cash.

The Beauty of Carpet Tiles

penny — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:43:00 GMT

Carpet tiles make for an inexpensive and easily installed flooring option for any room in the house.

A Flooring for Every Space

If you are looking to update the flooring of your home, apartment, office or dorm room, carpet tiles are a great option to consider for pretty much all of these applications. They come in a surprising array of textures from shag to plus and burbur, and are available in endless colors and patterns. They work well in offices and other commercial spaces such as restaurants, and can be great in your home as well. One of the most obvious benefits of using carpet tile is your ability to switch them out if they become stained or damaged at very little cost. And as they are normally purchased in boxes, there are usually some left over that can be kept in storage for just this purpose.

Carpet tiles come in a standard size, so they can be easily changed out to modify your design ideas. The same tiles shown in the checked pattern above can be easily rearranged into a solid color with a border of a different color or to stripes, all by just changing them around. They are great for making colorful patters, but can also be used in a single solid color to just look like traditional carpeting.

Keeping it Green

Concerned for the evironment? There are plenty of green carpet tile options made from recycled and sustainable sources.

These little flooring gems are not only versatile, but are a fantastic green option for the environmentally conscious. Many of the tiles available today are made from recycled and sustainable resources, and some of the companies will even take back old ones to be recycled yet again. And since you only have to replace one or two tiles if it becomes stained or damaged, you save resources and money in maintenance.

The tiles themselves are usually made from materials that can be washed in the sink, and they can be installed using non-toxic adhesives that stick to the floor below, or as interlocking tiles, so there’s no worry of hazardous materials.

Cash In Your Pocket

The tiles are very versatile in that they can be used in rooms as wall-to-wall carpeting, area rugs or hallway runners. With endless textures and colors/designs available (even in faux marble!), the possibilities are endless in bringing your vision to life. They can be cut to size for odd-shaped spaces, and are easy enough to install yourself in a day. At only about $1-2 per square feet they are a great, affordable way to make a dramatic yet flexible change without breaking the bank.

Giving Your Christmas Tree New Life After The Holidays

penny — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:35:00 GMT

Don't let that Christmas tree go to waste or fill up the landfill.

Taking down the Christmas tree and packing away the ornaments, nativity scene and Santas every year can bring on the blues for both children and adults. But there’s no need to be sad! There are still some good uses for that beautiful tree, other than kicking it to the curb. Here a few ideas for creative tree re-use.

Make a Bird and Animal Refuge

Since Christmas trees are just trees, if returned to the outdoors, they can make a great little habitat for your furry and feathered friends. Returning the tree to nature is a great natural way to allow it to return to the ecosystem as well. You could even use the tree as a place to hang feeders and treats durning the winter months to help hungry critters.

Put It Under Water

Birds aren’t the only animals that will appreciate your Christmas tree. If you happen to live on a small lake, you could sink your holiday tree and create a fish habitat that will provide a magical new home to the fish that live there! In the summer, grab your goggles, dive in and take a look to see what has become of it. Of course, you should always check local laws and get permission before putting a tree in any public water source. Secondly, while the tree is decomposing it will use much of the oxygen from the water, so make sure it is not too big compared to your water source, as this could effect the health of the fish.

Make Potpourri

Christmas trees can also be used to make your home smell nice – just follow these simple directions

Materials:

Some great-smelling potpourri can start with pine needs from the old Christmas Tree.

Dry pine needles (not brown and dead, just dried out a bit)
Pine oil
Any other pleasant-smelling ingredients, such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, dried rose petals, orange or lemon peels or bark.

Directions:

It’s simple! Just mix all the ingredients together with about 10 drops of pine oil. Place in a dish and enjoy! This is a fun project for the whole family on a cold and snowy day.

Make Your Own Mulch

Mulching, chipping or composting Christmas trees after the holidays is a wise alternative to just throwing them in landfills. Homeowners can buy a mulching tool from your local hardware store.

Recycle

Contact your local recycling center for a pick-up of your Christmas tree. They will use it for making mulch.

Better yet, next year buy a live tree that can be replanted in your yard after the holidays!

Winterizing to Lower Your Energy Bills

penny — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:20:00 GMT

Save on utility bills by following some simple winterizing tips.

Winter is here again and so are the higher energy bills!

There are several ways to lower those energy bills. They are easy to do and you will immediately notice the results. If you can accomplish even a few of these ideas it will make a difference.

1. Program your thermostat so that the heat is not running fully when you are not at home. Set the temperature to 10 degrees below your normal comfort zone when you are not there, and then back up for when you are home. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, do it manually. Be sure not to turn it off all the way, as it will need more energy to completely reheat your house when you get back, which will leave you, your space and its pipes too cold. If you plan to be out for 4 or more hours, drop the temperature 5 degrees and turn it back up when you return. It will warm up quickly.

2. Add weather stripping to your windows and doors. Keep warm air from escaping and drafts out. Weather stripping can make up to a 10% difference in energy use. This is something that is quite easy to do yourself and will save you money.

3. Make sure that the ductwork in your attic and basement is sealed. Look for and seal any places that you see where air can escape. Metal duct tape tends to work best. As much as 20% of heated air can escape through leaky ducts, so this is a great way to stop wasteful spending this winter!

4. Snuggle up your water heater with an insulated blanket. Your water heater will be happier and so will you when you see the substantial savings! If you have a tank-style water heater, you are losing money through stand-by heat loss. The tank warms up 30 or 40 gallons of water and then it starts to cool off, which is wasteful. So keep her warm.

5. Add insulationto your walls if you have access, and especially to the attic. In the winter months, warm air will rise and escape through the ceiling into the attic and out. In the summer months, the attic air heats up, and then causes the overall house temperature to go up, making the air conditioner have to work harder. A bit of insulation in the attic can make a big difference, and will help year-round.

6. Run full loads of laundry when you can rather than several small loads. Most dyes are color-safe these days, so you can combine a lot more colors and they won't bleed. This should help significantly lower your utility bills.

7. Tune-up and clean your furnace or heat pump for winter. A dirty furnace or heat pump coil may waste much of the energy it uses. That's a lot of money over the course of a heating season. Keeping your HVAC system maintained will help it be as efficient as possible.

8. Be sure to change the filter on your furnace every month or with some filters, every 3 months.

9. Open the winter blinds and let the sun shine in! That's hoping you live in a climate that enjoys the sun at least part of the winter.

These are just a few ideas to help you reduce energy use on a limited budget. Now you can spend that extra cash on a special holiday gift for someone or yourself.

Happy Cozy Winter!!

Holiday Traditions on a Budget

penny — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:04:00 GMT

Follow some simple tips this Holiday season to keep from breaking the bank.

It’s that time of year again: the lights, the decorations, the music and merrymaking and food eating and present buying are all here again. It's the spirit of the holiday season that we associate with shopping more than any time of year. Retailers take advantage of this as much as possible, attempting to seduce us with their sales and shiny advertising. The sense of happiness they are marketing doesn't need to put a dent in your savings account, but can be attained with careful spending, creativity and the right attitude. That leaves more money for the pie, rum and eggnog.

Family Tradition

Most of us don't really remember what gifts we got last year for the holidays unless they were homemade or epic. We certainly only remember a few that we received when we were kids. What we tend to hold onto most is the memory of the holidays themselves and the time spent enjoying traditions with our family and loved ones. When considering what gifts to buy for people, think about what would truly make them smile. Most people really do appreciate a small, thoughtful of homemade gift given with love over something big and less meaningful.

A Few Money Stretching Tips For the Holiday

First try to do some comparison-shopping online. The National Retail Federation reports that 44.2 percent of consumers will go online to shop at some point during the season. Approximately one third of purchases will be made online, so why not start your research there?

Though it may be too late now for this year's shopping plan, try to spread out your shopping over the year. This will make it less of a strain on your end of the year budget, as well as help you to find even better gifts for the people on your list. I have a gift bin in my storage closet, and whenever I am out and about, no matter what time of year, if I see something that is perfect for someone, I buy it, and use great will power to store it in the closet and give it to them at Christmas rather than right away. You'll pat yourself on the back every time, trust me. There's nothing worse that shopping on Christmas Eve and just blindly buying things just so that you have a gift for someone. It's so much nicer when you know it's something they will really appreciate. But until next year...

Maximize Your Spending Power:

Make a spending plan
Know your limits
Track your spending
Shop with a list
Shop as early as possible
Be an educated consumer
Beware of crafty sales pitches

While it's true that it is very hard to restrain yourself during the season of giving, think twice before buying an item - Is it appropriate for the person, and can you afford it without charging it? Using credit cards is fine as long as you can afford to pay the balance off quickly. You certainly don't want to ring in the new year with enormous credit card bills to pay off. Try using cash on hand, without charging. If you can't afford it, don't buy it.

Downsize holiday spending, not your holiday joy. Limit the size of your Christmas in terms of gifts, and make it big on meaning, focusing on family, friends, traditions and creating memories. Those are the things most worth remembering, and are part of a wonderful family tradition.

Mouse Friendly Homemade Traps

penny — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:25:00 GMT

Mouse Friendly Homemade Traps

The key is making a tunnel. Mice cannot resist tunnelling.

A few years ago, while living in France, I had a petite problem of the rodent variety. As is surely the case with most big, densely populated city critters, Parisian mice enjoyed coming on in to find a snack and perhaps to snuggle up once the weather got chilly.

A bit out of my element and armed with middle school French at the time, I found myself in the olde world situation of needing to buy some sort of trap, but it seeming to be a case of "if you need to buy a mouse trap, you need to go to the mouse trap store, which is surely across town and only open between the hours of 1-3 and 5-7" or something like that. Oh, and if you want a trap that does not actually kill the little furry things, good luck with that, mes amis!

So, after a little research, I found out how to make the best mouse-friendly trap that I have used since, and works like a charm every time.

Supplies For the Secret Weapon of Choice:

An empty cardboard toilet paper tube
One tall trash bin
Yummy cheese
Hungry mouse

How-to:

Place a little cheese or peanut butter in the end of the cardboard tube and place it precariously on the counter’s edge, above a tall trash can. Mice love to tunnel, so they can’t resist that little treat, which will lead them to be tipped into the can, where they can then enjoy their treat until you come to whisk them away to their new holiday destination somewhere that is not your house. Just make sure you take them far enough away that they do not find their way back, and hopefully their next human encounter will be as friendly.

Since this first experience, I have come to appreciate the simple little things we can make around the house at no expense. My French has also improved, so next time I meet a French mouse, perhaps I can just ask them to leave politely.

How to Make a Birdfeeder From a Coffee Can

penny — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

How to Make a Birdfeeder From a Coffee Can

You certainly don’t have to be an avid bird watcher to appreciate the beauty of a sparrow or a quail. And you definitely don’t have to be an ornithologist to recognize that birds need an environment where they can rest and feed during nesting and migration season.

Save the lid and cut it in half to work into the design.

There are many ways to make your own birdhouses and birdfeeders using simple household items such as glass or plastic bottles, milk cartons, or clay pots. Using a tin coffee can is one of my favorite ways to create a birdfeeder - it is amazingly easy and you can be very creative with the decorative portion of the project. Soon, you’ll be enjoying your coffee and watching the birds enjoy their new feeder- all in a matter of a few simple steps:

Materials

4" dia. x 5-1/2"h coffee can with lid
8-1/2" of 1/4" dia. wooden dowel
Craft knife
Cutting mat
Guerilla Glue or similar adhesive
24" of jute twine
Birdseed

How To:

Thoroughly wash and rinse the coffee can and lid.
A few brushstrokes go a long way in dressing up an otherwise boring coffee can.

Remove the plastic lid from the can and set aside.
Turn the can upside down and, using a can opener, remove the bottom of the can and discard.
Here’s the fun part: Turn the can on its side and use your creativity to decorate. Paint with brushes, sponges, stencils… glue on objects such as old buttons, shells, or other interesting little doo-dads. The possibilities are limitless…
Allow for the paint and glue to dry.
Take the plastic lid and use a craft knife to cut it half. Measuring from the straight edge, trim 1” from each half of the lid. Glue each of the halves over the ends of the can on both sides to create a basin for the birdseed.
Extending 3" beyond each end of can, glue the dowel to bottom of can to create a perch.
To hang your feeder, loop the twine through the can and knot the ends together. Add a dab of gorilla glue (or similar adhesive) to the twine on both sides of the can and secure to the inside to prevent the twine from sliding or tipping at an angle.

Fill the feeder with seed and hang it somewhere in your yard where you can enjoy seeing your feathered friends come to visit!

Get Your Mind Into the Gutter

penny — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:13:00 GMT

Get Your Mind Into the Gutter

Be safe when cleaning out the gutter!

Hey leaf lovers! The time of year is finally here for all the pretty colors to dazzle us in all their autumnal glory, and though we love it, and maybe even enjoy the fun of raking the lawn and jumping in, we should keep a little thought in our heads for the gutters they fall into as well.

Gutters are very important parts of the home, in that the catch and re-route water that could flood your basement and otherwise be very damaging to building structure and foundation work over time. To keep them running efficiently, they need a little love and maintenance a couple of times a year. So while you are out enjoying the loveliness of autumn, grab a ladder and some gloves and get to work. It’s a pretty simple task, and going the DIY route with this chore can save you hundreds of dollars. Safety first! Be sure you don’t do it alone. It’s always safer (and more fun) to have a DIY buddy, especially when using a ladder, so take extra care to pay attention to safety, and be sure to reward yourself and your pal with a nice hot cup of cocoa or cider before the sun goes down.

Cleaning Out The Gutters

Once you are up on your ladder, use a small gardening shovel to clear out leaves, nuts, twigs and any mucky stuff that has collected in the gutter. Pay special attention to where the downspouts and gutters connect, as this is where clogs usually are the most common. You might want to take a small bucket up with you as well, so you don’t leave a mess below. Once you’ve cleared things out, use a garden hose with substantial pressure to flush out what might be left in the downspouts, and make sure that they are flowing freely.

To avoid frequent gutter clogs, you can purchase gutter guards, which are basically screens for your gutters, letting water in, but keeping the twigs and leaves out. They don’t cost much, and are relatively easy to install.

Fixing Cracks and Holes

When you are flushing the gutter, check carefully for anything that appears to be leaking. Minor cracks and holes can be repaired fairly easily. Once you determine the areas that need fixing, clean and dry the area around the damage, and fill the holes/cracks with waterproof glue. If there is rust, it should be removed with a wire brush before you make the repair. For bigger holes, a patch can be made with a piece of aluminum flashing or thin fiberglass (depending on what your gutters are made of) and glued into place. Gutter glue can be purchased from your local hardware store. You should check the edge of your gutter before hand to see who the manufacturer is, so you know what kind of glue you should be using. For an extra layer of protection, once the patch is dried, you can seal the whole area with roof cement.

Gutter Alignment

If gutters have come apart from each other, they can be realigned and affixed with screws or something called gutter cement. Gutters are hung on metal hangers at a slight slant, to allow the water to flow away easily. Over time, they can level out if the hangers become bent. So the last thing you want to check is that they are intact and hanging properly. If they seem bent, or if the gutters have leveled off and water is not flowing easily out after being cleaned, they can be replaced, and the gutter can be re-hung at the proper angle to let the water make it happily to the downspout and away from your home.

Just another project you managed to do yourself – great job! You just saved yourself around 200 bucks, so go enjoy the view and that hot chocolate!

Wonderful Uses For Wooden Wine Boxes

penny — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:29:00 GMT

Wonderful Uses For Wooden Wine Boxes

It doesn't take much to install a wine box to the wall for an unfinished, natural-looking wall shelf.

Over the years it seems that I have amassed quite a large “collection” of wooden wine boxes. I’ve picked them up at garage sales, restaurants, wine merchants, thrift stores, and from the friends and neighbors who often save them for me. Whether they are new and made of cedar and white pine, or old vintage oak boxes- they all have the potential to be repurposed in creative ways. Below are some great ideas for putting wooden wine boxes to good use.

Stacking Shelving Units/Book Shelves

There is no easier way to build a shelf. You can use as many or few boxes as you want depending how much space you have and the size of shelving you want to create. Stack and arrange boxes of various widths, and heights.

A Couple of Tips:

Choose a spot for your shelves where the floor is even and level. Carpeted areas can be tricky as they can allow shifting and result in “tipsy” shelves.
Use felt or plastic discs to prevent scratching hardwood floors.
Consider anchoring the boxes (especially if you are stacking more than just a few boxes) with screws or nails to keep them stabilized.
Try stacking boxes atop a low table or wooden chest that is pushed against the wall. This will give you a little more stability and allow for more height.

These used wine boxes make great stackable storage shelves.

Wall Shelving

The perfect place for knick-knacks and a nice decorative touch for any room. Simply use one nail in each of the four inside corners of the box to attach it to the wall space you have selected.

Planter Boxes

Herbs and flowers are great choices to plant in a wine box. Just fill the box with potting soil and plant whatever your heart desires!

Storage Boxes

Limitless amounts of things can be put in wine boxes for storage and organization: Records, toys, art supplies, kitchen items, etc., and because a wooden box is far more attractive than a cardboard box, these items don’t have to be tucked into a closet, but can stay accessible and within plain sight.

Nice & Spicey

penny — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:00:00 GMT

Nice & Spicey

Want easier access to your spices? Try a refrigerator spice rack.

Here's how to make your own magnetic spice rack…

In addition to the spices that I use daily or weekly from my cabinets, there are dozens of others that I only use on occasion. It can be a bit of a headache to search way back in the corners to find the Cassia or the Vietnamese coriander…I know it’s in there somewhere, I just haven’t seen it for awhile.

Not long ago, a friend made his own magnetic spice rack and it was absolutely brilliant. Not only did it make organizing and finding your spices easy, it also looked beautiful in his kitchen.

I asked him to share his “how-to” with me so I could pass it along to all…keep in mind there are on-line tutorials to help you along if you need it.

Materials & Tools

Sheet of steel (about 1/8” thick). There are many different sizes available, so depending on how many jars of spices you want to include and where you are planning to hang the rack, you can select what is appropriate.
Toggle bolts (These are fasteners that have wings that open inside a hollow wall, bracing against it to hold the fastener securely).
Epoxy to attach magnets to steel strip (I recommend E-6000-setting time is longer than other options, but it is powerful and holds up well).
Disc magnets (available on-line and at hardware stores) Determine the width based on the size of the jars you choose.
Glass jars/ or tin containers available on line (try www.specialtybottle.com … they have a wide variety and their prices are the best I found).
3/8 inch drill bit, drill, and screwdriver.

How To:

Use the epoxy to glue magnets on to the underside of the spice jars. Allow 10-12 hours for epoxy to set completely.
Lay the sheet of steel horizontally on a workbench or scrap wood and secure with clamps or vice.
A sheet of steel and some disc magnest are about all you need to make this project work.

Use 3/8 drill bit to drill holes on each end of the steel - approximately ½” from the edge.
Hold the sheet against the wall and measure and mark the location of the holes.
Use the toggle bolts to secure the steel on the wall.
Once the epoxy has set, fill the jars with your favorite spices and you’re ready to magically, magnetically make your spice rack come together!

Ideas and Tips:

Most often the spice cabinet is located directly above or aside the stove, but exposed to heat, spices can lose their flavor. Consider hanging your new spice storage rack a bit further from the stove- still accessible, but perhaps nearer the pantry or where you store dry goods.
Consider making labels for the individual jars. This can come in handy with the look-alike spices such as marjoram and thyme.
Want to make it really simple? I know, I should have started out with this option, but sometimes a bit of a challenge can be more rewarding….
Instead of using a wall mounted steel sheet- you can simply glue the magnets to the spice jars and stick ‘em straight on to the side of your fridge. This works especially well if you choose smaller spice jars and if you don’t have a million gazillion magnets and thing-a-ma-bobs already taking up the real estate on your fridge.

Revving Up the Mobile Home/Camper Trailer

penny — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:08:00 GMT

Revving Up the Mobile Home/Camper Trailer

Try painting those wood floors if you don't want to refinish them.

Budget

It’s important to create a budget from the amount of money you are planning to spend. Whether it is $100 or $1000 you can create a difference in your mobile home/camper trailer with a few inexpensive changes. If it's a bigger makeover you want to take on, buy the materials that you are able to store easily until you have enough to begin your project and are ready to jump in. Just be sure to outline and good plan from the start and stick to it.

Floors

If your carpet has seen its better days, you don’t need to replace it with new carpet. The floors underneath may be nicer than you think. And if you don’t have time or budget to refinish them, you can try painting them instead. If you have plain floors underneath that old carpet, you can get creative and create faux hardwood floor planks.

How To

Use a ruler and tape to create the desired size and number of wood planks.
Use shading between each board and apply a wood-grain finish to add depth and make the boards seem more realistic.
Apply several coats of high traffic polyurethane to seal the job.
Once a year, or when wear begins to show, lightly sand and apply a coat of polyurethane.

A little molding can go a long way in the mobile home.

Walls & Windows

Many older mobile homes are paneled with dark paneling. If you want a brighter look, try adding wallpaper to the top half.

How To

Separate the top and bottom with a painted or stained chair-board (sold at any home-improvement store), using small nails to attach.
You can paint the bottom half of the wall or leave it as is.
Instead of wallpaper, try brown paper bags for a different look! Want a leathery look? Crumple and wet the bags and adhere with wallpaper paste.
You can paint or stain the wall in any way that appeals to you. It is best to tear the paper bags, so that no straight edges remain, and it gives the wall a softer look.

For a makeover on your windows, try using window paint and freehand or use stencils for a faux stained glass effect. If you change your mind or mess up your artwork and need to start over, the best part is that it can be easily removed.

Keep the kitchen area bright and sunny.

Counter Tops

Mobile homes usually have Formica counter tops, which get stained, chipped or burned over time. Check out this way to repair counter-tops in an inexpensive way with paint and wax.

How To

Rough up the counter with sandpaper and clean well.
Use a pencil to draw a design of your choice.
- Achieve an elegant marbled surface by painting a basecoat and then using varying lighter shades to smudge throughout.
- Use a toothpick dipped in paint to draw fault lines through the "stone" design.
When finished, paint a coat of polyurethane to seal in artwork and bring out the colors in your paint.
Add a thin layer of wax to seal out water spots.
You may have to lightly sand and reseal once a year.

Now sit back and enjoy your new artistic surroundings that are uniquely you!

Rack It Up

penny — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:26:00 GMT

Rack It Up

Put that old bicycle wheel to good use by converting it into a pot rack.

If you are on limited space, a great way to free some up is to get things out of the way, and one of the best places to look for free space is up. I am a big fan of shelving and hooks. My kitchen is very old and has deep, big drawers that are really good for pots and pans storage, but I know plenty of people who are not so lucky.

Pots and pans need to be accessible, but at the same time they take up so much room and can be hard to stack and tuck away neatly. Luckily, they pretty much all have a hole in the handle for hanging, so a pot rack is a great way to get them out of the way. If you buy a new pot rack, you are still going to have to get your tool bag and handy skills out to hang it anyway, so why not try to make one yourself and save some cash? You basically just need something that you can hang from the ceiling far enough away from any opening doors or cabinets, and high enough so that no head-smacking happens. I have seen ones that are made with bamboo, old shelves, and even copper pipes and bike wheels, so there’s plenty of room for creativity and custom ideas that work for your space. Basically, if you can hang it sturdily below the ceiling on a level plane, you can hang stuff from it.

Remember - when you go to hang the rack, it needs to be high enough so that the pans hang down just within reach, so hang it at a level where the pans are reachable, not necessarily the rack itself, otherwise it will be way too low. Luckily, if you just use a linked chain, you can just take it up two or three links to adjust it easily.

Materials

Rack structure: bike wheel, wire shelf rack, wooden shelf, etc.
Several large S hooks (for hanging rack and hanging pans)
Ceiling hooks (matching in size to work with S hooks)
Linked chain (3-4 sections, depending on shape of rack. 3 for circular, 4 for rectangles/squares). Don’t worry, there are nice looking ones out there!
Tape Measure
Drill

Steps

A high shelf can double as a pot rack.

Measure the height you’d like rack to hang, this is how long the lengths of chain should be cut.
If you are using something rectangular, you can either use 4 lengths of chain (2 on each side that join to 2 hooks), or 4 hooks, with chains hanging down from each one.
Install the hooks in the ceiling
Using the S hooks, attach the edges of the rack to the chain, then the chain to the ceiling hooks at the appropriate level.
Once you have installed it and it seems level and secure, you can start hanging your pots from more S hooks along the edge, just like the fancy chefs on TV.

You can also use a high shelf if you are worried about installing the rack in the ceiling, and would rather have it go into the wall.

Enjoy!

Build Your Own Herb Planter Box

penny — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:03:00 GMT

Enjoy fresh herbs from your very own herb planter box.

Build Your Own Herb Planter Box

Fresh herbs are the perfect addition to any meal and whether it’s BBQ or breakfast- herbs can help turn an ordinary dish into something special. Having an herb garden of your own allows you to have your favorite herbs at your fingertips- plus small herb gardens are easy to maintain and provide a nice bit of life to your deck or patio.

You don’t have to be an expert carpenter to build your own wooden herb planter, it is actually a pretty simple project and fun way to get your hands dirty on a sunny weekend.

Materials you will need:

Pine board/lumber scraps
3/4-inch screws/nails
3/4-inch plywood
Saw
Hammer
Top soil

Some lumber scraps, a few tools and top soil is enough to complete this project.

How To:

1. Depending on the size of the space you intend it for, and the amount of herbs desired, decide how large or small you would like your planter to be.

2. Cut the lumber to the dimensions of the desired box. You can make a square box by using 4 equal lengths of lumber, or a rectangle that has two sets of lumber with equal dimensions.

3. Secure the sides of the box with 3/4-inch screws or nails to form the base of the planter. Use a piece of ¾ plywood to create the bottom of the planter. Secure the sides of the box to the plywood with screws or nails. Begin with one of the longer sides attaching to the plywood at intervals with screws or nails. Work your way around the box, attaching sides to the plywood and securing the ends with screws.

4. Fill the box with topsoil. Well-rooted manure provides additional nutrients and mixing it with the topsoil will help guarantee a successful garden.

5. Plant herbs in the box. For those who can’t wait to see results, you can pick up established plants that are ready to put in the planter. Choose whichever

Grown fresh, everday!

herbs appeal to you. It may be helpful to check up on which herbs are best for your climate and the time of year you are planting. We recommend visiting www.gardeningclub.com or www.gardeners.com to find more information about choosing the right herbs, as well as how to care for them.

6. For those extra crafty folks, you can also stain or paint the wood on the exterior of the box, but make sure to choose products that are non-toxic.

7. You’re ready to enjoy your new herb garden!

Don’t Take Your Fridge For Granted

penny — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 01:13:00 GMT

Don’t Take Your Fridge For Granted

Back in the day, cleaning the fridge was a three-person job.

The fact that we that we don’t have to build icehouses in our backyards to keep our food and beverages cool is a pretty good deal. Most of us are lucky enough to have this extremely useful appliance in our kitchen, but it wasn’t always the case.

In about 1805 the first vapor-compression refrigeration unit was invented, but it wasn’t until about 1922 that the technology was adapted to produce the practical and compact refrigerator that most of us have in our homes.

By giving your fridge a good cleaning- inside and out- you can prevent the daily chore of digging through shelves of unidentified containers and sloppy leftovers. Plus, a clean fridge is more energy efficient as the air can circulate freely and takes less power to run.

A Clean Fridge is a Happy Fridge

Your fridge can be this clean in no time!

Start by taking everything out of the fridge. Have a picnic cooler with ice handy and store your frozen stuff in it while you clean the freezer area.

Throw out all the “mystery” leftovers and toss anything with a past expiration date.

Take out the racks and crispers and soak them in the bathtub with diluted dish soap. Place on towels and air dry.

Wash the inside walls and shelves down with a mixture of vinegar and warm water.

Wipe off all the bottom of jars and any containers you will be putting back inside.

Try to organize your shelves when you put things back in – dairy/ meats/ beverages can all have their own area, which makes it easier to find things and to take stock of what you have.

Keep one shelf or area reserved for leftovers or for food that spoils quickly- this way these items are not as likely to get pushed into the back where they will be forgotten and start to “stink up” the whole fridge.

If you don’t have as many drawers as you want, using small plastic bins with handles is an excellent way to organize foods and keep things accessible.

As a “hint” to the rest of the household, you can label the shelves and sections- this may help prevent items from being randomly stuffed in the fridge and creating a mess.

A More Efficient Fridge

Stain-free, organized and pleasant to look at.

Defrost the Freezer. Removing the layers of built up frost will increase the efficiency of the appliance. Most modern freezers have an automatic defrost, but if you have an older model you will want to defrost manually. You might need to consult the manual on your appliance, or follow a tutorial such as: http://www.wikihow.com/Defrost-a-Freezer.

Vacuum the coils. About every six months, move the fridge so you can access the coils at the back. Gently vacuum the coils to remove dust- this can greatly add to the life of your fridge as well as increase it’s everyday efficiency.

The ¾ rule. A fridge that is at least ¾ full is the optimal for energy savings. If your fridge is like mine, sometimes it’s a little bare- so you can fill the space with jugs of water to increase efficiency.

A Better-Looking Fridge

Using a variety of fun magnets, a dry erase board for messages, attaching pictures and photos- these are all great ways to help your fridge look special on the outside!

Bathroom Clean Up

penny — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:29:00 GMT

Bathroom Clean Up

Keeping the bathroom space organized will add to the tranquility of the room.

The bathroom often gets more use than any other room in the house, and can easily turn into a cluttered mess. Having a well-organized bathroom helps make the most of your space and is easier to keep clean. I know it’s not the most glamorous task, but here are some ideas to help tackle the job:

Ready, Set, Go

Take everything (yes everything!) out from the drawers, the medicine cabinet under the sink and give these areas a good cleaning. Separate items into categories (such as hair products, make-up, and shaving goods). Toss out any “almost empty” bottles or old items.

Under the Sink

There are so many ways to keep items organized and stored these items under the sink.

Pull-out bins
Lazy Susans
Shelf organizers
Shelf expanders

Also, try hanging a wire caddy over the cupboard door with a few basic cleaning supplies- that way you can give the counter and mirrors a quick cleaning on a daily basis.

Drawers

It’s easy when you are in a hurry to just toss things in the bathroom drawers, but after awhile, it is impossible to find anything. Drawer dividers can be the perfect solution. They come in all shapes and sizes and are the easiest way to keep things organized.

The Medicine Cabinet

Often a graveyard for empty bottles and long expired products, the medicine cabinet is best used only for items that you use on a daily basis. Despite its name, the medicine cabinet is actually not the best place to store medication as the moisture can ruin it. Try keeping medication in plastic bins in the linen closet or kitchen pantry. Most medicine cabinets have adjustable shelves so once you determine which items belong here, take advantage of the shelves to maximize space.

Other Areas

Take advantage of some of the extra space you might have available:

If there are empty walls, try adding some shelving. Use individual shelves or closing cupboards which are simple to install and widely available. The space above the toilet is also a perfect place for additional shelving.
By adding hooks or towel bars to the back of the bathroom door, you can avoid wet towels being draped over the shower or tossed on the floor (yuck).

Add Some Style

After you’ve gotten yourself organized, there are ways that you can help liven up the space and make it more attractive:

A new shower curtain can go a long way to giving your bathroom some style. From colorful polka dots to sophisticated patterns, there are all kinds of designs available.
Single flower vases or a small plant in a decorative pot look great in the windowsill or above the toilet.
Use glass apothecary jars for cotton swabs, bath salts, and soap. Put them on the counter near clean hand towels for guests.

Turning On To Compact Fluorescents

penny — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:49:00 GMT

Turning On To Compact Fluorescents

Time to make the switch!

Sometimes old habits and ways of thinking die hard. That can definitely be said of the bad reputation of fluorescent lighting. We all know the stereotype of a 1970’s office room with a ceiling of dismal blue-grey flickering fluorescent light, humming down like an oppressive cloud that drains the life right out of you. We’ve also been standing in the electrical aisle of our local hardware store looking at replacement lamps for our lighting fixtures and grabbing the traditional incandescent pear shaped lamps that are conspicuously cheaper than the compact fluorescent (CFL) alternative. If it was good enough for Thomas Edison, it’s good enough for my house too! Only, it’s not really good for anyone’s house anymore, and all the reasons that you think for not switching over can be easily refuted.

The initial cost of a CFL over an incandescent lamp can be offset relatively quickly when you realize they use 75-80% less electricity. When you’re replacing a standard lamp you usually look at the wattage rating. Just like your cars fuel efficiency is rated with miles per gallon, lamp efficiency is rated in lumens per watt. For example, a 15-watt CFL produces the equivalent lumen output of a 60-watt incandescent lamp. A CFL also generates much less heat so it can last for many more hours than a standard incandescent lamp, actualizing even more savings over the life of the bulb. The average life of a CFL is 10,000 hours while the average life of an incandescent lamp is 750 hours. So you can see when you’re standing at the hardware store and the idea of saving a few dollars on just some replacement light bulbs seems like a good idea, remember you’ll be standing there again 13 more times over the standard life of one CFL.

So you still take issue that it’s an aesthetic and the quality of the lighting is more important than cost savings. That may have been true in previous years, but new CFLs now come in a range of color temperatures, so the myth that it makes your skin tone render poorly and under-saturated no longer applies. CFLs are rated with a correlated color temperature to help you decide which is best for your application. Color temperature is rated on the Kelvin (K) scale and the degrees vary on packaging. Some may say natural or soft white, but if you look for the actual numbers of degrees Kelvin you can’t go wrong. For example, candles, on the red end of the spectrum have a correlated color temperature of about 1700K while typical incandescent lamps range from about 2700K to 2900K. You can get CFLs ranging from 2700K to over 5000K. To give you practical idea, CFLs in the cooler, blue range of the spectrum, with higher Kelvin rating can be used in bathrooms or utility areas while the lower Kelvin degrees can be used in living rooms and areas where you want a warmer tone.

Now you have the best of both worlds when deciding on updating your homes punch list with compact fluorescent lamps. Whichever point sold you on the change, budget or aesthetics, the result is the same; you’ll be looking good under any light.

Hand-Painted String Lights

penny — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Hand-Painted String Lights

An easy, inexpensive way to add holiday decorations or color to any room.

Here’s a great way to add a little color to your outdoor areas, or inside in a bedroom or lounge area (or anywhere, really). Painting your own light bulbs is a fun project – you get the colors and designs you want by customizing them yourself, and then all you have to do is string them out on the patio or inside along the ceiling to bring a special, warm and cozy feel to any space.

All you need is clear or white light bulbs and glass paint. You can mix your colors if you are feeling artistic, or even paint scenes on the bulbs. After painting, be sure to follow the instructions on the paint and bake in the oven on the appropriate amount of low heat. This is the perfect project for those rainy, cool, fall days. Just don’t drop the bulbs!!

Difficulty Level: Easy
Things You'll Need:

Lightbulbs
Glass paint
Craft paintbrush
Table clamp (optional)

Steps

Buy glass paint from a discount store or craft supply store. You must buy glass paint that can be baked in the oven. Read the manufacturer's instructions on the glass paint to ensure that you select the correct type.
Find clear light bulbs that suit your purposes. You can paint on a white light bulb, but the transparency of the clear bulb allows the colors of the paint to remain true.
Clamp the base of the light bulb to the table so that it stands up freely. If you don't have a clamp, you can brace the bulb and paint one side at a time, rolling it after the paint dries.
Paint the light bulb in whatever color you desire. Glass paint can be mixed together to create shades of color that are not sold separately. For painted scenes, paint the background first in whatever color you choose, and then layer the scenery as you would for any painting.
Let the paint dry and then bake the colored light bulbs in the oven according to the manufacturer's directions. This will set the paint evenly before you use them in your lamps.

These are so pretty, and great for gift giving, so get started soon – the holiday season is just around the corner!

Creative Reuse: Shabby Chic Sheet Curtains

penny — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:45:00 GMT

Creative Reuse: Shabby Chic Sheet Curtains

Why pay $40 for curtains when a set of $3 sheets will do just fine?

I recently wanted some new curtains for my kitchen, but was bored by the selections that were available at your usual big box retailers, and buying new fabric from the fabric store to make basic curtains would end up costing over $40. It was time to put my thrift-shopping skills (well-known to my friends) to the test!

It turned out that cool vintage king sized sheets can be scooped up at my neighborhood Goodwill store for just $2.99, and they are large enough to make a couple of curtains for pretty much any sized window. Queen sheets work pretty well, too, but be sure to check the measurements before you get started, because with sewing, nothing is more frustrating than coming up short in the fabric department.

The great thing about using sheets to make curtains is that some of the sewing is already done for you. Flat sheets have that doubled-over section at the top, which is super handy, because if you just cut slits vertically along the edges, you can slip a curtain rod in and you are good to go.

Measure Up

Measure the width of your window, and make sure that each curtain panel covers 75% of the window. This way, the total fabric of your pair of curtains for each window will measure 1.5 times the width. This let’s them bunch up nicely and cover the window properly. When measuring the length, give yourself a couple of inches for them to fall below the sill. You can always do a quick hem later if they look too long.

After you have measured width wise (and ironed if you are more particular than me), make a small tear in the fabric and (as long as you are following the right direction for the grain of the fabric) it should rip easily all the way though in a straight line. It will be obvious once you start tearing. If it does not do it easily, you’ll have to cut it with a straight edge to make sure it’s straight, which is less fun, but works just fine.

So, all you have to do is cut the fabric width wise, make the slits at the top, sew up the hem and the edges along the torn/cut sides and voila! – you have unique, fun curtains! For an added touch, you can mix other fabrics and add another color or pattern along the bottom/top, and make some cute/cool (for the boys) tie-backs using ribbons or extra fabric.

This project is so fast and easy, and if could even be done without a sewing machine. You can hem it up and fix the edges using iron-on tape or hot glue (though not recommended if your window is super sunny).

FYI: Twin sheets are 66"x96". Full sheets are 66"x102", Queen sheets are 90"x102", and king sheets are 108"x102".

Here’s a link to a tutorial on how to cut/tear fabric.

And one for you to find vintage sheets on ebay.

Home Maintenance Budget Time!

penny — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:16:00 GMT

Home Maintenance Budget Time!

Don't get caught off guard when things need repairing. Plan ahead by setting a budget.

Just like taking care of your health with annual visits to the doctor, bi-annual trips to the dentist or other preventative health care, your home needs regular maintenance and upkeep to maintain your property value and to prevent large, expensive repairs from surprising your budget. Setting aside money each month for regular maintenance as well as larger home remodel projects or unexpected emergency home repair should be a part of every homeowner’s budget. A good rule of thumb is to budget around 2% of the market value of your home each year for basic maintenance, and 3-4% for older homes that may need to budget for repairs as well as basic maintenance. Whatever funds are not used over the year should be rolled into your next year for larger repairs like front step masonry repair, replacement of heating and cooling units, roofing repair or plumbing and electrical issues.

One great way to stay on track and to allocate maintenance and repair money from your budget is to build a punch list on a calendar with basic maintenance. For example, marking the dates and cost when you replace your furnace filter, have your chimney inspected, and your seasonal coolant charge added to your air conditioning, can keep your budget on track and prevent larger expenses from occurring from over usage. Your calendar punch list should have all your basics do-it-yourself chores like replacing batteries in your smoke detectors, replacement of proper lamps for your lighting fixtures, inspection and cleaning of gutters in spring and fall as well as other miscellaneous tasks that take elbow grease and small expenditures from your budget.

Having another list for larger repairs is also a great way to anticipate when your home maintenance budget may be drained and you need to dip into other funds for necessary work. For example, knowing the wear, tear and age of your roof and when it may need to be replaced can give you extra time to budget more funds so that your standard maintenance doesn’t take a hit and you end up not taking care of the little things that can add up to keep the rain from coming in. A seasonal non-emergency, future repair list should include inspections of things like stairs, hot water heaters, bath and faucet fixtures, gutters and drainage, interior and exterior paint or siding, masonry or chimney work as well as other areas that may need attention.

Making a scheduled and budgeted plan for basic home maintenance and keeping up on the inspection of your home for when larger repairs are needed can keep small problems from getting bigger, and make your home more comfortable. It is also an important step in maintaining your property value.

Bright Ideas

penny — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:38:00 GMT

Bright Ideas

Use inexpensive, brightly colored fabrics to create your own lampshades.

Most of us prefer the longer, brighter days of summer over the dark and dreary winter months of winter. Why not find ways to keep a sunny mood going even when the weather keeps us inside on the cold afternoons and evenings? Covering plain lampshades with colorful fabric is a fun and simple way to help brighten your living room or bedroom.

What you’ll need:

Plain white lampshades – round or square. (You can pick up lampshades at thriftstores and most hardware stores).
Fabric adhesive spray
Scissors
Large sheet of paper for the pattern
Decorative fabric
Large work surface

How to:

Cover your work surface with a large sheet of newspaper, butcher paper, or brown wrapping paper.
Lay the lampshade on its side with the seam on one edge of the paper, leaving enough room to roll the shade over the paper.
Starting at the seam on the lamp shade, trace the shape of the top and bottom edges of the shade onto the paper.
Carefully roll the shade along the paper, marking the top and bottom edges on the paper until you get to the seam again.
Adding 1" at the top and bottom and at the seam line, cut the pattern of the shade from the paper.
Place the paper pattern on top of the desired fabric. You can use pins to hold the pattern in place on the fabric and then cut the fabric using the pattern.
Cover your work surface with plastic or other protective covering. Spray the wrong side of the fabric with spray adhesive.
Starting at the seam of the shade, put the shade on one edge of fabric and carefully roll it onto the fabric a few inches.
Carefully pick up the shade and continue smoothing the fabric on the shade, lightly stretching and smoothing the fabric until the whole shade is covered.
Fold over the excess fabric on the top and bottom edges of the shade.
Let shade dry overnight.

Tips:

When selecting the fabric you would like to use, keep in mind that lighter, thinner fabrics will let more light shine through.
Make sure your fabric is well ironed and wrinkle free.
Use energy efficient lightbulbs. They may cost a little more initially, but they will save you in the long run!
You can also make simple pillow covers using the same fabric… there are plenty of on-line tutorials to help you along. Try: www.glueandglitter.com and http://www.ehow.com.

Easy Kitchen Makeovers

penny — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 14:51:00 GMT

Easy Kitchen Makeovers

A new paint job can go a long way in giving the kitchen a new look. It’s much cheaper than buying new cabinets, too!

Our kitchens are often the central gathering places in our homes -- a place to sit, have a nice meal and relax with friends and family. In every culture around the world, much socializing is surrounded by food, so this is not surprising at all. So from time to time, it’s nice to give this special room a little attention to keep it a place where you’d want to spend more time. Here are some ideas for small, easy changes in the kitchen that won’t break the bank. Feel free to join in and let us know of any ideas that you might have, too!

A Fresh Paint Job

This is inexpensive, and can be done faster than you think. You can add a fresh coat of paint to the walls in the current color, or add some life by choosing something new. You can also paint the cabinets to change things up. Another thing you can consider, if you already have painted cabinets, is maybe doing just the opposite and stripping them back down to a natural look. This can look especially nice in an older house where they might be surprisingly nice under layers of paint. If you don’t like how they look underneath it all, you can always repaint them! Something to note about color choices: warm stimulating tones as well as relaxing light colors are great in kitchens, while blues and violets supposedly decrease your appetite. You can also always stay with a basic white for a clean look and add desired accents with fun stencil or decal projects. And lastly, be sure to use a paint that has an easy-to-wipe finish for easy kitchen clean-up.

Cabinet Restructure

If you are feeling really ambitious, you could remove the doors of the cabinets for an open look. This works really well if you have pretty things that you’d like to show off, but maybe not so well if your cabinets are full of boxes of cereal and cans o’ beans. If you have colorful dishes, this can look great. You can also alter the style of your cabinets by getting deeper into the DIY, breaking out the tools, and changing the cabinet doors (very permanently) by cutting the fronts out and replacing them with something interesting like colored glass, chicken wire or even some nice stiff-backed fabric, depending on you personal taste, and your crafty abilities.

Cabinet and Drawer Hardware

Always a great way to add a little flair with minimal effort, the hardware on drawers and cabinets are very easy to change. There is no shortage of styles, colors and materials for these pulls and knobs, so one is bound to find something for whatever look you are going for, from traditional to modern to whimsical.

Other things to consider for cozying up your kitchen are rugs and colorful paintings or wall hangings. A little decor goes a long way. Even a simple lamp or some soothing wall lighting can add ambiance to the room for that nice evening cup of tea and chat.

Bright Ideas at Home: Lighting Basics with Incandescent

penny — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:07:00 GMT

Bright Ideas at Home: Lighting Basics with Incandescent

Make a punch list of each lighting fixture in the home

One visually high impact, low maintenance and budget friendly change you can make to your home is having the proper lamps (light bulbs) and spares available for easy change outs. Having a punch list of each lighting fixture in your house, quantity and type of lamps, and proper wattage is a good place to start. This way you can buy enough to have replacements always on hand so you don’t mix wattage, color temperatures and style of lamps, which can throw improper balance to your lighting scheme and draw attention away from what’s being illuminated.

When talking about lighting, having the proper nomenclature helps at your local hardware store or lighting showroom. Lighting professionals use the term “lamp” to describe what most people call “light bulbs.” What the lamp is housed in is called a light “fixture.” The basic pear shaped standard socket lamp or light bulb that we all learned about in elementary school when studying Thomas Edison is called an A-lamp -- “A” meaning arbitrary, as in the shape of the bulb.

The modern technology for incandescent lamps is essentially the same since Edison’s invention. Either a vacuum or inert gasses are sealed in a glass bulb housing a thin filament that circuits an electric current which cause it to heat up and glow brightly. Incandescent lamps are pretty inexpensive and yield a warmer color temperature, especially as dimming it shifts the light from yellowish-white to the red spectrum (measured in degrees Kelvin). However, incandescent lamps are less energy efficient than fluorescent or compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s). They also tend to have a shorter lifespan the other lamp types.

Most incandescent lamps have their wattage listed on the base or on the top of the lamp’s glass bulb. Your lighting fixture should also have a listing for the recommended wattage. You’ll want to stay at or just below the maximum wattage requirement for safety and efficiency. Also, for aesthetics there are lamps available with frosted or white bulbs to reduce glare and bright filament imaging when you want a soft glow as well as half-chromed bulbs for bath vanities. A task as easy as changing out some of your fixture’s lamps and getting the proper wattage and style can make a pleasantly noticeable difference in any space.

Easy Living and Leisure Icon: The Hammock

penny — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:54:00 GMT

Easy Living and Leisure Icon: The Hammock

The dog days of summer are best spent in a hammock.

Whether daydreaming on a relaxing summer day, or enjoying a well-earned leisure escape from the work-a-day world and weekend chores, there’s something special about a retreat into your own stylish hammock. They are the ultimate, inexpensive cradles of comfort.

The hammock has been around since the time of the Mayans as well as other Central and South American early civilizations, and was introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus. He came across them on his travels in the Caribbean: one of the new world’s ingenious unique riches. The basic types of hammocks are the Mayan, Brazilian, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan, naval and camping/travel hammock. However, you don’t need to be an historian to enjoy and choose the best hammock for you.

Firstly, you should decide if you need a hammock that comes with a stand or a manually secured hammock, which you need to attach to an existing anchor (tree or fence…etc). If you choose a hammock without a stand, make sure that you measure your attachment points well so that you have a comfortable resting angle. The next detail to consider is if you want a hammock that’s stave-less or one with spreader bars, which are pieces of wood at either end of the hammock bed used to fan out the rope weave or keep the fabric taut for broad horizontal lounging. A stave-less hammock will contour and hug you more, which can be eased by lying diagonally, while a hammock with spreader bars has a more flat lying area, but can be slightly unwieldy to balance upon. (This may count as an entertainment feature in the right company!) Lastly, you need to decide which material you’d like to have for the bed – canvass or rope weave.

Modern hammocks come in a variety of materials and color patterns to suit your style and accent your décor. They also have the advantage of being compactly stored away or moved with ease. And now with new designs like hammock chair swings, you can mix, match and share your leisure time swinging and swaying in the breeze. Just keep an eye out for the dog!

3 Simple Tips for Feng Shui at Home

penny — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:00:00 GMT

3 Simple Tips for Feng Shui at Home

Follow these simple steps to employ the powers of Feng Shui in your home.

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of allowing positive energy (or Qi/Chi) to flow through rooms, be they outdoor, indoor or office space. It strives to attain this through using a series of rules including the placement of furniture and use of color in rooms to attract good energy into your living spaces and life in general. In doing so one increases peace, luck, and prosperity. Here are some Feng Shui tips to try. See if they might make a positive impact in your life! It’s a free, easy way to bring new life to your living or work space.

One: Get Rid of Clutter!

The presence of clutter, according to the practice, will disrupt good energy from flowing properly though the home. It can also serve as a distraction in rooms where you would like to relax without you even noticing. Specific areas to keep in mind are doorways, where opportunities are believed to enter. Other areas are places where you need to concentrate, such as workspaces or studios, and bedrooms, where too much clutter can distract you from peaceful sleep and even bestow bad energy on relationships.

Two: Use of Color

Feng Shui relates to the elements and reflects these elements through the usage of certain colors. Depending on the type of energy you hope to have for certain rooms, different colors can be used. These are broken up into 5 categories: fire, earth, metal, water and wood.

Fire: Passion and High Energy. (Red, orange, purple, pink and bright yellow.)
Earth: Nourishment and Stability. (Beige, sand and light yellow.)
Metal: Clarity. (Gray and white.)
Water: Ease, freshness, restoration. (Blue and black.)
Wood: Health and vitality. (Brown and green.)

In addition to the types of energy these colors are meant to bring to a room, there are also guidelines as to which rooms or portions of the house work best with these colors and how they all relate to one another. To learn more of the fine details, you can see a chart and read more on it at FengShuiPalace.com.

Three: Placement of furniture in your home.

According to Feng Shui, the placement of items in your house should allow energy to flow freely throughout. No door should be blocked, as this inhibits opportunity from coming in through the doors. Pieces should also be placed so that energy can flow unobstructed between windows and doors. Placing mirrors in rooms is also thought of as a way to draw in beneficial Qi. The only places that are not considered ideal for mirrors are across from the main front door and facing your bed.

Whether or not you believe in the philosophy of energy flow that is Feng Shui, I think we can all agree that less clutter is a good thing, and a little attentive thinking about color choices and furniture placement in your home or office can never be a bad thing. There are volumes of information out there on Feng Shui, so if you are interested in finding out more, endless reading abounds!