The Fourth of July will be here before you know it and there's no doubt that you have something planned to celebrate America's independence! Here are some tips to help you bring the party out back while you're watching the grill. TWISTER! Using a cardboard template, spray paint circles onto the grass. You can personalize it by using different colors (like red white and blue!) , or scaling down … [Read more...]
Which Sunscreen Should You Use While Having Fun In The Sun?
We just celebrated Memorial Day and for many that means the mark of the first day of summer. Depending on the area you live in, this could mean spending time in the local pool, hiking, sunning at the beach, fishing, or just running through the sprinklers. It doesn't really matter what you're doing or where you're going, if you're hanging out, outdoors, you're going to need to pack your … [Read more...]
Barn Owls Keep Rodents Away
Just last year I was on my way to pick up Mr. Sthole from a hunting afternoon when a mouse crossed in front of my vehicle. I had never thought of myself as a screetcher but there I was, in my car, all alone, protected by a ton of steel and I screetched as that mouse ran in front of my head lights. If that's how I act when one is OUTSIDE of my car, how well do you think I'd handle it if one got … [Read more...]
Recycle, Reuse, Rediscover! Old Tires
We all use them. Tires are everywhere, and they're wearing out all the time. They're expensive to replace, and take up a lot of space in your garbage can and in the landfills. Most tire replacement centers will take care of them for a small fee, but if you ask for them, they will put them in a plastic bag and put them in your trunk. Next time you have to grab a new set of tires, you now have a … [Read more...]
The Dirt On Manure: Home and Garden
Natural fertilizers are becoming more and more popular over the artificial chemical filled alternatives. As our world tries to "go green" many people are turning back to using manure on their soils on their home property instead of store expensive store bought fertilizers. Houzz.com tells us more: What if you could boost your plants' ability to take up water and nutrients while improving the … [Read more...]
DIY- Hanging Porch Bed
I am always one who will make sure that, if there is a porch swing or hammock, I call dibs. I love the relaxing nature of them. The lull that you can rock yourself into. I have never had the pleasure of relaxing in a hanging porch bed, but they look just as awesome, if not more, than the other two things that I enjoy lounging in. I think that if I were better with tools, I would be building … [Read more...]
Meet The Material- Artificial Grass
It's been a while since The Home Depot has put out a new Meet The Material segment, but I'm excited about this one. My only experience with artificial grass is that of poorly made front door mats and play areas at the park, so I'm eager to learn all about it. So let's get to it shall we? Today’s artificial grass has grown leaps and bounds in terms of appearance, feel and composition. Whereas the … [Read more...]
DIY Workbenches You Can Build In A Weekend
The workbench for a DIY-er is like a brush for a painter or a pen for a writer, you just can't do much without a good work space. Bob Vila suggest: unless you’re upgrading to a professional European-style model, I recommend building your own. A basic, customizable bench requires only two tools—a saw and a drill. There are several ways you can approach this. You can build an entire bench from … [Read more...]
DIY Bird Feeder
I don't think there is anything lovelier than sitting on your front or back porch with your "cuppa" watching the birds eat and listening to them sing. I recently found this out before church one morning on my Aunt's back porch. It was awesome to see the different types of birds flitting around, singing songs to their friends and getting their fill of seeds and freeze dried worms. I enjoyed it … [Read more...]
You Only Get One First Impression
Before your guests even enter your home, they see your front walk way. This is actually the first impression people get, why do you think the witch in Hansel and Gretel made her home out of candy on the outside? So how do you make your home seem inviting, before you actually invite them in? 1. Create a mini room. A bench with cheery outdoor pillows, a hanging paper lantern and a framed … [Read more...]