File Your Taxes Like a Pro: Reporting Rental Income
Even seasoned real estate investors can run into problems when dealing with rental income tax. If you fail to report all deductions on your return or fail to accurately report all of your rental income, you will be audited and could face penalties. By documenting all of your rental income and expenses correctly and by understanding how depreciation works, you have the opportunity to file your taxes like a professional. Read the rest of the post »
Why Window Wells Matter for Basement Drainage and Home Protection
Basement windows are often treated as a minor architectural detail, but the area around them can play an important role in protecting a home from water intrusion. A window well does more than create space around a below-grade window. When designed and maintained properly, it helps manage surface water, protects the window opening, and reduces the chance that moisture will collect against the basement wall. Read the rest of the post »
A Practical Guide to Making Screen Time Work for the Whole Family
Screens are part of family life now: they help us keep in touch, learn new skills, manage appointments and unwind. The trouble usually starts when everyone has a different idea of what “enough” screen time means. Instead of treating every device as a problem, families can set a few clear expectations, choose online activities thoughtfully and make room for offline routines that feel just as appealing. Read the rest of the post »
The Trim Looked Fine. Then It Crumbled: What DIYers Should Know About Hidden Termite Damage
It can happen halfway through an otherwise ordinary weekend project. You pry away a piece of baseboard because you are replacing flooring. You remove window trim before painting. Maybe you open a wall to deal with an old plumbing line. The surface looks tired but solid—until a screwdriver sinks farther than expected or a piece of wood breaks apart in your hand. Read the rest of the post »
Why Every Household Should Have a Moving Day Plan
Moving day consists of many activities that take place at once from packing boxes and securing your furniture to doing the final inspection and arranging for transport. If there is no plan, a well-prepared family might still encounter problems with late delivery of some items or getting stressed out. The moving day plan provides a schedule of actions to everyone so that the family can be organized during the process. Read the rest of the post »
What an AI Image Editor Rescues From a Before Photo Taken in a Garage
The after photo always turns out better than the before photo, and it has nothing to do with the piece looking better. The after gets taken deliberately. The chair is in the room it now lives in, the light is decent because you waited for it, the floor is clear, and you took six shots and picked one. You knew this photo mattered because you had just spent three weekends on it. Read the rest of the post »
You Opened the Wall for One Project. The Plumbing Had Other Plans.
You were going to replace a vanity. Maybe you planned to pull out an old cabinet, repair some drywall, move a fixture, or finally tackle the bathroom that has been sitting on your project list for three years. Then the wall came open. Suddenly, the project was no longer about paint colors or whether the new faucet matched the hardware. There were pipes staring back at you—some clean and ordinary, others discolored, patched, oddly routed, or surrounded by marks that made you wonder whether water had been there before. Read the rest of the post »
5 Modern Staircase Ideas for a Stylish Home
A staircase is not a mere means to go from one floor to another. It can be an integral part of the design of your home. A well-designed staircase can help to open up an older home or a new interior design, while making the area more welcoming and inviting. Read the rest of the post »
A Rainy Day Project: Digitizing Slides While Dreaming of Summer Gardens
Some weeks are just rainy. Four days of grey, steady drizzle. Not a storm. The kind of rain that taps on the window and makes anyone want tea and a blanket. The garden looks sad in weather like this. The beds outside turn to mud. There is nothing to plant, nothing to weed, nothing to prune. So gardeners do what gardeners do. They stare out the window and dream of July. Roses. Bees. Warm soil under the nails. Read the rest of the post »
A DIY Digital Memory Book: How to Make a Video Keepsake From Family Photos
If you have ever spent an afternoon looking through a box of old family photos, you know how quickly “I’ll just look at a few” can turn into an hour. One picture reminds you of another, and suddenly you are trying to remember where that vacation was, who was standing next to Grandpa, or how old the kids were when that photo was taken. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Tips for Keeping Your Home Clean Between Professional Services
A professional deep clean resets a home, but the weeks between appointments are where most of the wear happens. Dust settles, spills sit too long, and carpets collect grit that works into the fibers before anyone notices. A handful of DIY home cleaning tips between professional services can close that gap, keeping floors, counters, and high-traffic areas in decent shape until the next visit. None of this requires special equipment. It just takes a few consistent habits and the right order of operations. Read the rest of the post »
Navigating Complex Housing Regulations in Northern California
Managing a residential property in Northern California is a complex task that requires a thorough knowledge of local laws and tenant protections. Real estate investors often rely on a skilled property manager San Francisco to oversee daily operations, ensure legal compliance, and maintain positive tenant relations. An experienced management professional provides invaluable market insight, guiding property owners to safeguard their financial investments as they deal with one of the country’s most strictly regulated housing markets. Read the rest of the post »
From Weekend Projects to a Finished Yard: How to Plan Landscaping Before You Build
Building a beautiful yard one weekend project at a time can be satisfying, but starting with the most exciting task before planning the whole property often creates expensive rework. A patio can end up in the wrong sun exposure, a path can cut through a future planting bed, or irrigation lines may need to be moved after hardscaping is finished. Read the rest of the post »
New Sink, Old Pipes: What DIY Renovators Should Check Before Upgrading a Kitchen or Bath
Thinking about swapping out an old kitchen sink or installing a new bathroom vanity? Before focusing on fixtures and finishes, check the plumbing that will serve them. Existing supply, drain, and vent piping can affect whether a fixture works properly and whether a seemingly simple replacement turns into a larger repair. A careful inspection before demolition can reveal leaks, corrosion, pressure problems, drainage issues, or code concerns while the work is still easy to address. Read the rest of the post »
Modern Comforts for an Old House: How to Deal With Musty Smells and Stuffy Rooms
There’s no equivalent to the appeal of an old-style house; the original hardwood floors, the detailed woodwork, and the special architectural features give it a character that modern buildings seldom achieve. However, together with this historic quality comes a number of less desirable qualities. The ones most frequently found are a rather strong musty smell and upstairs rooms that always manage to feel unpleasantly stuffy. Read the rest of the post »
Budget-Friendly Ways to Protect Outdoor Equipment Over Winter
Every fall I do the same walk around my property, looking at everything sitting outside that I know is about to get buried in snow. The grill, the ATV, the porch furniture, the firewood rack that never quite got finished. None of it is expensive to replace one piece at a time, but replace enough of it every few years and you start to notice the money adding up. A little bit of prep in October saves a lot of frustration (and cash) come spring. Read the rest of the post »
Why Some Large Rooms Feel Inviting While Others Just Feel Big
If you save house tours, you have probably noticed that square footage does not predict how a room feels. Two great rooms can be the same size on paper, and one of them is somewhere you want to sit, while the other one makes you want to stand near a wall. That difference is set on the floor plan, before a single finish is chosen. It comes down to proportion, lighting, and how the room makes you feel when you walk in. None of it is mysterious once you know what to look at, and all of it is visible in a plan drawing if you know where to look. Read the rest of the post »
Handmade Gifts for the Person Who Insists They Don’t Need Anything
I’ve written before about tracking down customized gifts for the people on my list who already have full closets, full garages, and zero patience for more clutter. Custom pieces still work, but somewhere between ordering another engraved cutting board and standing in my craft room surrounded by fabric scraps, I realized the gifts that actually get used are almost always the ones I made myself. Not because they’re fancier. Because someone can tell you sat down and spent your own time on them. Read the rest of the post »
Planning a Home Renovation: The Structural, Plumbing, and Design Essentials
A renovation looks exciting on a mood board but suddenly messy once the drywall comes down. Homeowners often start with paint colors and cabinet finishes, then discover partway through the project that the real work was buried behind the walls all along. Old framing settles, pipes corrode, and moisture finds its way into places nobody thought to check until a contractor pulls back the first section of drywall. Read the rest of the post »
The Homeowner’s Guide to Upgrading Outdoor Living Spaces
For many homeowners in the past, a backyard used to be an afterthought, a patch of grass they mowed on Saturday and mostly ignored the rest of the week. That has changed. More and more people treat outdoor space as a real room in the house, complete with its own furniture, lighting, and budget. Nowadays, real estate listings usually call out “outdoor living space” as a selling point the same way they would mention a finished basement or a renovated kitchen. Read the rest of the post »
Simple Ways to Start Investing for Your Family
Investing can seem hard, especially if you’re new to it or unsure where to start. Many people believe only experts can invest successfully. However, investing is now open to everyone, regardless of financial background. For families, investing is a great way to secure a better future for loved ones. Read the rest of the post »
Best DIY Cold Climate Mini Split Hyper Heat Models Compared: MRCOOL vs Cooper & Hunter vs Zone Air (2026)
Choosing a DIY mini split for cold weather use in 2026 has likely had you comparing three brands: MRCOOL, Cooper & Hunter, and Zone Air. Each brand has it’s own advantages and disadvantages for winter heating, diy install, and total installed price. This guide compares all three and gives a true winner based on what we think homeowners really care about. Read the rest of the post »
Why Trays Are One of the Easiest Ways to Style Everyday Surfaces
Some of the hardest surfaces to style are the ones we use every day. Coffee tables, kitchen counters, consoles, and bedside tables can quickly collect small objects that make a room feel busy. One simple way to bring order back is to group those items together. Decorative table trays can help define a small area, organize useful objects, and give everyday surfaces a more finished look without making them feel overly styled. Read the rest of the post »
Before and After House Remodel: Practical Changes That Make an Old House Work Better
The most satisfying before-and-after remodels are not always the ones with the biggest visual shock. A room can look completely different and still be awkward to use, while a quieter renovation may change the way an entire house works from morning to night. That is especially true in older homes. Over the years, rooms are repainted, floors are replaced, new appliances arrive, and one-off repairs accumulate. The result can be a house that still has plenty of character but feels disconnected: poor traffic flow, limited storage, dim rooms, inconvenient switches, worn surfaces, and fixtures chosen for a different stage of the home’s life. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Or Hire A Professional? Identifying Which Home Projects You Can Manage
DIY tasks are always adventurous. A coat of paint, some shelving, or an upgraded bathroom want a residence to feel nicer and greater hospitable. For many homeowners, though, to do it themselves is also a chance to save money and learn new skills. DIY is only for some projects, though. Certain missions may require expert knowledge, costly overheads or a thorough understanding of how to gain access to structures. Knowing when you can pick up a paintbrush and when it’s time to call in a professional will save your wallet and eventually your home. Read the rest of the post »
The Point Where I Stop DIYing a Floor
I have laid a lot of flooring in this house. Some of it went beautifully. Some of it I have since torn out and done again, which is its own kind of education. What I have worked out is that the question is not whether you can lay a floor. Most people can. The question is what is underneath it and how flat the room is, and those two things decide whether the job takes a weekend or eats a month. Read the rest of the post »
Patch It or Replace It: When Your Gutters Are Trying to Tell You Something
Gutters are easy to ignore when they are doing their job. Rain disappears from the roof, water moves away from the house, and there is not much reason to give the system another thought. The moment water starts spilling over an edge, dripping through a seam, or collecting beside the foundation, however, those quiet strips along the roofline suddenly become much more interesting. Read the rest of the post »
This Is How To Make Your Home Warm & Cozy This Winter
Aw I hate that we’re already talking about winter lol It is inevitable when you live this far north though I do dream of the day Lodi and I plan on heading south after we retire for at least during the cold months. I really like how this article covers both the practical sides of keeping warm (like insulation) but also the ways we can decorate for a warmer and cozier feeling home. Unfortunately for us the original front door of our home is over 100 years old which means its amazing and I love it but we also plan on replacing it this year as it just doesn’t keep the cold out like we need it to. Read the rest of the post »
How to Bring Natural Light Into Your Room
Natural light can change a room, making it warm and inviting in a way that artificial light cannot. Imagine waking up to sunlight through your windows, creating a bright, cheerful atmosphere. Whether you choose bigger windows or smart design choices, adding natural light can greatly improve your home and your mood. A sunlit room feels soothing, so it’s an important part of any home design. Read the rest of the post »
How to Handle Home Financing for Beginners
Navigating home financing can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. With so many choices, from mortgages to down payments, it’s easy to get confused. However, understanding the basics can help you make better decisions and find a plan that suits you. Whether you are buying your first home or refinancing an existing mortgage, knowing what to expect will boost your confidence. Read the rest of the post »
What Every Homeowner Should Check Before Converting an Unused Basement
Transforming an unfinished basement to accommodate a family room, a home office, an extra bedroom, a playroom or even that much wanted pool table can become a reality with enough planning. However, before you start selecting paint colors and furnishing, you need to examine the space. Read below for checks every homeowner should make before finishing up an unused basement: Read the rest of the post »
7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Old Timber Sash Windows
You notice it first on a cold morning. There’s a chill sitting near the window that has nothing to do with the weather outside, and no amount of thick curtains seems to fix it. That draught is usually the first clue that a sash window has reached the end of what restoration can fix, and it’s rarely the only sign if you know where to look. Read the rest of the post »
How to Make a Vegetable Garden on Your Patio
A patio offers more growing flexibility than most people expect. Unlike a balcony, you’re often working with real soil beds, larger containers, and even the option to build small raised beds directly on the ground. That extra room changes what’s possible — you can grow deeper-rooted vegetables, sprawling vines, and a much wider variety of crops than a railing planter would ever allow. Read the rest of the post »
How to Make Back Pain Less Uncomfortable
Back pain is a common problem many people face at some point in life. It can vary from a minor annoyance to something that seriously affects daily activities. Causes can include poor posture at work, lifting heavy objects incorrectly, or just aging. Dealing with back pain is important for maintaining a good quality of life. Read the rest of the post »
Interesting Flooring Ideas for a Small Room
When decorating a small room, flooring plays a big role in how the space feels and works. The right flooring can make a room look bigger, brighter, and more inviting. Options like stylish tiles or soft carpets not only improve the look but also add comfort and usability. Choosing the right flooring matters most in small areas where every inch counts. Read the rest of the post »
Signs Your Home Cooling System Needs Attention Before It Quits
When your cooling system starts acting strange, it rarely fails without warning. In a place like Palm Harbor, where heat and humidity can turn your house sticky fast, those early clues matter. You don’t need to be an HVAC tech to spot trouble, but you do need to pay attention. A few odd noises, weak airflow, or rising energy bills can point to bigger issues waiting in the wings. Read the rest of the post »
How to upgrade a cracked front entrance without losing the charm of an older home
You pull up to the house and immediately notice the giant crack running straight down the middle of the concrete. It happens to almost every older property eventually. We spend our weekends painting shutters and planting new flower beds to make the front yard look welcoming. But we tend to ignore the massive slab of sinking cement right in the middle of it all. Read the rest of the post »
How to Make an Old House Feel Cosier Without Covering Up Its Character
Old houses rarely need help becoming interesting. Worn floorboards, substantial trim, old doors, fireplaces, plaster walls and slightly uneven surfaces already give them something newer homes often have to work hard to create: character. The challenge is making those rooms comfortable without removing the very details that make them special. A draughty window might need attention, but not necessarily replacement. An old floor can feel cold underfoot without needing to disappear beneath fitted carpet. Even an awkward room can become inviting without being stripped back and rebuilt. Read the rest of the post »
Why Long-Term Financial Planning Is Part of Healthy Aging
According to the CDC, the life expectancy for the US population in 2024 was 79 years. This means that for most people, they get to enjoy a retirement of a few decades. People may spend many years in retirement, making long-term financial preparation an important part of planning for healthy aging. Building that plan earlier can provide more flexibility for future healthcare, housing, insurance, and everyday living expenses. Read the rest of the post »
How to Tell If Your Attic Insulation Is Actually Doing Its Job
Your energy bill went up again, rooms feel stuffy by mid-afternoon, and the HVAC just runs and runs. Most homeowners blame the unit. Nine times out of ten, the real culprit is sitting directly above their heads. Attic insulation is one of those things you install once and then forget about for twenty years. That’s the problem. It degrades, settles, gets wet, gets chewed on, and stops doing what you paid for, all while you keep paying higher and higher utility bills. The good news is you don’t need a contractor to figure out whether yours is still pulling its weight. You just need about thirty minutes, a flashlight, and this checklist. Read the rest of the post »
9 Qualified Improvement Property Options Worth Knowing
Depreciation schedules were built for a world where buildings age uniformly over decades. Real property rarely works that way, and the tax code has a lane for the parts that wear out faster: qualified improvement property, a category covering interior upgrades to nonresidential buildings that often qualifies for accelerated write-offs instead of the standard 39-year timeline. Read the rest of the post »
Plumbing Emergency? What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives
A plumbing emergency, a burst pipe, a major leak, an overflowing fixture, can be alarming, and in the moment it strikes, it is easy to feel helpless. But there are things a homeowner can do in those first crucial minutes that can limit the damage while professional help is on the way. Knowing how to respond to a plumbing emergency is valuable knowledge for any homeowner, since a calm, informed response can make a real difference to the outcome. This guide covers what to do before the plumber arrives, empowering homeowners to act effectively when a plumbing emergency strikes. Read the rest of the post »
Common DIY Plumbing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
DIY plumbing can be genuinely rewarding, and plenty of small plumbing tasks are well within a capable homeowner’s reach. But plumbing is also an area where enthusiasm can outrun expertise, and DIY mistakes can turn a simple job into an expensive problem. Learning about the common mistakes that trip up DIY plumbers, and how to avoid them, helps homeowners tackle suitable tasks successfully while steering clear of the errors that cause trouble. For the hands-on homeowner, this knowledge is part of doing DIY plumbing wisely and knowing when a job is better left to a professional. Read the rest of the post »
A Homeowner’s Guide to Preventive Plumbing Care
For the hands-on homeowner, prevention is one of the most satisfying forms of home care. Catching small issues before they become big ones, keeping systems in good order, and avoiding nasty surprises are all part of taking pride in a well-maintained home. Plumbing is a perfect area for this preventive approach. A little regular attention to a home’s plumbing can prevent many of the problems that catch homeowners off guard, saving money, stress, and disruption. Understanding how to care for your plumbing preventively is a valuable part of any homeowner’s know-how. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Plumbing: What You Can Tackle Yourself and When to Call a Pro
There is real satisfaction in fixing things around the home yourself. For the DIY enthusiast, tackling a household task and getting it done is genuinely rewarding, and plumbing offers plenty of small jobs that a capable homeowner can handle. But plumbing also has a line beyond which DIY becomes risky, and knowing where that line falls is one of the most valuable things a home handyperson can learn. Understanding what you can tackle yourself and when to call a professional helps you enjoy the satisfaction of DIY while avoiding the costly mistakes that some plumbing jobs can cause. Read the rest of the post »
When Does a DIY Home Project Actually Need a Dumpster?
DIY projects can create a lot more trash than people expect. You may start by replacing a floor, tearing out old cabinets, or cleaning out a garage, and before long you can end up with piles of wood, drywall, old fixtures, boxes, and other debris. That is why it helps to think about cleanup before you start the work. Read the rest of the post »
Manual vs Electric Balloon Inflators: Which One Do You Actually Need?
Planning a celebration often means inflating far more balloons than expected. A simple birthday party may require dozens of balloons, while balloon garlands, arches, and event backdrops can easily use more than one hundred. Choosing the right inflator can make decorating faster, easier, and much more enjoyable. Read the rest of the post »
Canadian Choice Windows and Doors Renovating Grandma’s House for Modern Comfort
Renovating a beloved family property makes nostalgic memories and reveals structural improvements needed. Taking on a DIY project to update Grandma’s house means finding that sweet spot between classic architectural charm and necessary energy-efficient upgrades. Many older family homes still have their original single-pane glass windows, with rotting wood frames and failing seals that let in winter drafts and make indoor spaces uncomfortably cold. Read the rest of the post »
Bringing the Resort Vibe Home: How to Decorate Your Deck or Patio for Year-Round Relaxation
The best part of a resort stay isn’t really about where you are. It’s about how little effort it takes to relax once you get there! The lounge chairs are already arranged, and the lighting is low and warm. Someone else has done all the preparation for you so that you can simply put your feet up and unwind. You can build that same feeling into your own deck or patio, and unlike planning what to pack for the trip, you only have to do it once. Read the rest of the post »
Moving Quickly? The Property Selling Options Available in London
London’s property market has a reputation for resilience, but that doesn’t always make it fast. A home can attract interest quickly and still take months to complete. Chains collapse, buyers hesitate, lenders down-value properties, and legal issues emerge late in the process. If you need to move on a tighter timeline, knowing your selling options matters just as much as knowing your asking price. Read the rest of the post »
Smart Home on the Go: How eSIM Technology Can Keep Your Devices Connected
If you’re a smart home owner, you probably know that when you’re away for a few days or weeks on a business trip, on vacation, or simply away from home, cameras, sensors, thermostats, and smart locks can continue monitoring your home. However, but this only works with a reliable connection. Read the rest of the post »
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Air Conditioners
Keeping your home comfortable depends on how well your air conditioner works. As temperatures rise outside, a well-maintained air conditioning system helps you stay cool and saves energy during the hot months. Many people forget about air conditioner maintenance, but caring for it can extend its life and improve your comfort. Read the rest of the post »
How to Plan a Birthday Party for Your Grandkids
Planning a birthday party for your grandkids is a wonderful way to show them you care. It’s an opportunity to create lasting memories. You have many things to consider, from choosing a theme to planning fun activities. It might seem like a lot of work, but seeing their happy faces will make it all worthwhile. Read the rest of the post »
Jewelry Polisher Machine That Cuts Finishing Time in Half
Anyone who has hand-polished a ring with a cloth and a tube of rouge knows how long that last step can drag on. What should take a few minutes turns into twenty, especially on pieces with tight curves or engraved detail. A jewelry polisher machine changes that math almost immediately, since it applies consistent speed and pressure that a hand simply can’t match no matter how much practice someone has. Read the rest of the post »
When It’s Smarter to Let Go Than to Keep Fixing
Every dedicated DIY home restoration enthusiast knows the frustrating feeling of staring at a stubborn project car taking up valuable garage space. You buy new replacement parts, spend weekends turning wrenches, and convince yourself that one final repair will finally solve the underlying problem. Read the rest of the post »
A DIY Homeowner’s Battery Buying Guide
Homeowners who enjoy tackling their own projects often approach a battery purchase differently than someone who simply calls an installer and signs whatever quote lands first. If that sounds like you, brands such as voltx energy are worth researching properly before you decide, since a battery is one of the few home upgrades where doing your own homework genuinely changes the outcome. Read the rest of the post »
How to Make an Air Conditioner Work Better
As summer heats up, a working air conditioner is essential. Imagine coming inside from the heat and feeling the cool air. But what if your air conditioner isn’t working well? Don’t worry! There are simple ways to improve its performance. Regular maintenance and easy practices can help your air conditioner run better. Cleaning filters and adjusting can help. Let’s look at how to make your air conditioner work well so you can enjoy a cool home all summer. Read the rest of the post »
How to Give Older Rooms a More Modern Appearance
Older rooms can be made to look new by replacing old or worn finishings or by using new colors and furnishings that provide better function and complement the overall decor. By doing these types of renovations homeowners can update their home and make it more pleasant without having to completely replace everything that is used in an older home. Allowing for the replacement of a few key items or features in an older home or room can allow homeowners to make the space more modern while keeping the character and good aspects of the older home or room. Read the rest of the post »
Choosing a Trustworthy Plumbing & Heating Repair Company
Quick Answer: To pick a dependable repair company, confirm they are licensed and insured, then check their reviews and years of experience. Ask for clear, written pricing before any work starts, and make sure they back their labour with a warranty. A trustworthy provider answers your questions openly, shows up on time, and explains what your system needs. Doing this homework early saves you money, stress, and rushed decisions during an emergency. Read the rest of the post »
Concrete Doesn’t Cure the Same in Every County
The bag gives you one set of instructions. Mix to this consistency, pour, keep it damp, wait. Same bag, same words, whether you are pouring in a Louisiana August or a Vermont November. That is the part that got me. Concrete is not a recipe you follow. It is a chemical reaction you host, and the conditions you host it in are doing at least half the work. Read the rest of the post »
What Australian Builders Do Differently on Rural Blocks
Australians don’t say “lot.” They say “block,” and a rural one is an “acreage block.” That small vocabulary difference turns out to sit on top of a much bigger one, because the way a house gets designed for open country over there looks noticeably different from how we do it here. Some of that is climate. Some of it is regulation. And a decent chunk of it is stuff any rural homeowner in the US could borrow tomorrow without changing a single permit. Read the rest of the post »
What Marble and Brass Do in a Dubai Living Room
If you’ve spent any time scrolling home design photos, you’ve seen the Dubai living room. Pale veined stone running up a wall, warm metal trim catching the light, and almost nothing else competing for attention. It’s easy to write off as expensive taste. But the more I looked into why those two materials keep showing up together in that particular climate, the more it started to look like a set of decisions rather than a style. Read the rest of the post »
Canadian Cities Where Character Homes Are Still Affordable
If you’ve ever fallen down the rabbit hole of looking at old house listings you can’t afford, you already know the problem. The hundred-year-old place with the original woodwork and the wraparound porch exists. It’s just usually in a city where the lot alone costs more than the house. Read the rest of the post »
How to Keep Your Yard Watering System Working Without Wasting Water
If you live in Fruitville, you already know your yard deals with strong sun, sudden rain, sandy soil, and long growing seasons. That mix can be great for lawns and landscaping, but it also puts pressure on your irrigation system. A sprinkler setup that worked fine a few months ago can quietly start wasting water, leaving dry patches, soggy corners, and a water bill that feels a little rude. Read the rest of the post »
How to Deep Clean Wall-to-Wall Carpet
A freshly cleaned carpet improves indoor air quality and the visual appeal of your home. Regular general maintenance can remove dust and food remains, but it never reaches what hides deep in the fabric. That is why experts recommend deep cleaning at least twice a year. Here’s how to clean a carpet and make it dry quickly. Read the rest of the post »
Cozy Home Projects to Enjoy While Watching Yellowstone
“Yellowstone” can be described as the kind of series you want to watch at a leisurely pace in the evening, when all your chores are done. Log cabins and vast ranches. Leather furniture with wool blankets and fireplaces. Montana’s unique landscapes… All of this creates a special atmosphere. However, the show doesn’t always demand your full attention every second of screen time. While the characters are riding horses or discussing ranch affairs, you can tackle a simple household task that doesn’t require intense concentration. Read the rest of the post »
8 Ways to Tell If a Contractor Is Right for Your Home Project
A home project is a big deal. There are plans to make. Money to budget. Maybe a Pinterest board that has gotten slightly out of hand. A home renovation can take it to another level. With so much riding on the project, choosing the right contractor deserves thorough thought. The person you hire will have a huge role in turning ideas into a finished project. Read the rest of the post »
How to Handle Trailer Parking and Tight-Space Moves Around a Busy Property
Why Trailer Parking Gets Complicated Fast. Trailers are useful until they start blocking the space around them. A utility trailer, equipment trailer, camper, dump trailer, or landscaping trailer can take up more room than expected once it needs to be turned, backed in, loaded, unloaded, or moved between vehicles and buildings. Read the rest of the post »
NYC Extermination- How Good Is This Pest Control Company
There’s no avoiding the fact that discovering that you have pests living in your home or business is a nightmare. Unfortunately, however, it’s a reality that many homeowners and business owners have to deal with, especially in a busy city like New York, where pests are all too common. Cockroaches, rodents, and bed bugs can easily find their way into even the most well-cared-for properties. Read the rest of the post »
How to Retire and Live Without Stress
Retirement is often seen as a wonderful time in life, where you can relax and enjoy yourself. However, many people find this change can be difficult. Moving from a structured work life to the freedom of retirement can feel overwhelming without proper planning. Important areas to consider include managing finances, finding a sense of purpose, and creating a daily routine. With good preparation, you can have a more peaceful retirement. Read the rest of the post »
How to Donate Food to a Charity
Many people feel grateful and want to help those in need. One of the easiest ways to do this is by donating food. Donating food helps your community and provides meals for those who are struggling. Giving food is more than just a donation. It spreads kindness and benefits both the giver and the receiver. Whether you are cleaning out your pantry, planning an event, or want to make a difference, donating food is a simple and effective way to help. Read the rest of the post »
When to Clean Your Rugs Yourself and When to Call a Professional
(By Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair) The short answer is that routine upkeep is yours to handle and deep cleaning usually isn’t. Vacuum regularly, blot fresh spills, and air the rug out, and you will cover most of what a rug needs day to day. But set-in stains, pet accidents, and any real cleaning of a wool, silk, or handmade rug belong with a professional, because the wrong method at home can bleed dyes, shrink fibers, or rot the foundation. A cheap synthetic mat gives you room to experiment. A fine oriental rug does not. This guide sorts out which jobs are safe to do yourself and which ones are worth handing off. Read the rest of the post »
Preserving Old Homes and Preserving Wealth Share More in Common Than You Think
Most people think about old houses and financial portfolios as completely separate concerns. One belongs to the world of architecture and history; the other lives in spreadsheets and estate plans. Yet the more closely you examine both, the more the underlying logic starts to look identical. Read the rest of the post »
Can DIY Water-Saving Upgrades Overload a Septic System? What Homeowners Should Know
Many homeowners assume that any upgrade designed to save water will automatically benefit every part of their home. While water-efficient fixtures often reduce utility bills and help conserve resources, they can also change the way an on-site wastewater system functions. In homes that rely on a septic system rather than a municipal sewer connection, even positive improvements deserve careful planning. Read the rest of the post »
A Complete Home Safety Checklist for Modern Homeowners
With the escalation of technology and available tools around us, you might get overwhelmed with the amount of information out there telling you to keep your house safe. Especially if you have a modern home connected to smart devices, you know that the old concept of a safe home, including locks and smoke alarms, isn’t enough now. That’s why a complete home safety guide helps, which we cover here. You’ll learn all about structure, common entry points, and things we all forget, like the network that runs between the walls. Read the rest of the post »
How to Refresh Your Living Room Without a Complete Remodel
Making slight modifications to furnishings is an amazing way to liven up your living room space, without spending a fortune or hurting the integrity of your home with intrusive projects. You would be amazed what you can do with some creative thinking, rearranging furniture, updating colors and fabrics, and rethinking the lighting and organization of your space to make your home an improved, better place. Using these helpful suggestions, you can improve your home without doing any unnecessary damage. Read the rest of the post »
How to Prepare Your Backyard for Summer Celebrations
Summer is the season to relax in the warm weather with family, friends and neighbors. Whether it be a small gathering or large party, it is always a good time to clean and organize your home to impress your guests. This way you can assure that all who come to your home are enjoying themselves to the best of your ability, with your presence and your surroundings. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Laundry Room Makeover Mistakes That Can Cause Plumbing Problems Later
A laundry room makeover can feel like one of the most satisfying home projects. It is usually a smaller space, so it seems easier to update than a kitchen or bathroom. New cabinets, better shelving, fresh paint, a folding counter, and a stacked washer and dryer can completely change how the room works. Because of that, many homeowners treat the laundry room as a simple weekend DIY project. Read the rest of the post »
How to Flatten a Rolled Paint by Numbers Canvas
A rolled canvas sounds like a minor inconvenience, until you try painting over a crease. Raised edges drag your brush sideways. The numbered sections blur along fold lines, and the finished piece won’t sit flat in a frame. It’s one of the most common headaches artists hit before they’ve even opened a paint pot. But flattening a rolled paint by numbers canvas doesn’t require any special gear. Read the rest of the post »
Turnkey or Fixer: What a 25 Percent Price Jump in Ready Homes Says About the Value of Finished Space
Every DIY homeowner has heard some version of the same comment. A neighbor, a coworker, an in-law watches you sand a dresser or tile a backsplash on a Saturday and says, half kidding, that you should just pay someone to finish it instead. The implication is that your skills are a hobby. A nice way to pass the time, sure, but not worth real money. Read the rest of the post »
Which Parts of the House Are Best to Remodel During the Summer?
Summer is one of the most popular seasons for home improvement projects, and for good reason. Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and generally drier weather create ideal conditions for both indoor and outdoor renovations. Whether you’re planning a small update or a larger remodel, tackling the right projects during the summer can help reduce delays and improve the quality of the finished work. Read the rest of the post »
The DIY Project Details You’ll Wish You Had Written Down
Completing a DIY project is satisfying. Everything is painted, cleaned up, and back in its place. You can finally step back and appreciate everything you’ve accomplished. At that point, the last thing you’ll want to do is write anything down. However, a few months later, you might find yourself trying to remember what paint color you used or where you bought those cabinet handles. It only takes a few minutes to write those details down and save yourself plenty of trouble later. Read the rest of the post »
6 Fastest Ways to Mass Delete Tweets on X in 2026
1. Delete a small batch manually: Deleting content manually is the fastest method when one has only a little amount of content. For this method, the user would need to enter each content piece one by one, go to the More Menu, click on Delete, and confirm the action. Because the platform does not provide any bulk delete option, deleting a post one by one is a must. Read the rest of the post »
How Insulation-Related Decisions Can Affect Future DIY Projects
Let’s say you’ve decided to upgrade your kitchen with some new cabinets. You take the old ones off and start drilling holes for the new ones. Then, all of a sudden, the drill hits… Something. You were expecting a solid wood stud, but this isn’t it. It’s actually a dense block of foam that’s started to crumble, and now your whole project has to stop so you can take care of that. Bummer. You could have prevented this before, but I bet you didn’t think about it, did you? Read the rest of the post »
Designing Better Error, Empty State, and Success Screens
You see this pattern across product teams everywhere: designers spend weeks perfecting onboarding flows, dashboards, checkout pages, then ship a product where the error screen still says “Something went wrong.” No illustration. No further step. No relevant context. “Five words and a button that says ‘Try again. Read the rest of the post »
The Hidden Plumbing Risks Behind Indoor Plant Walls and Home Greenery Trends
Indoor greenery has become one of the biggest home design trends in recent years. Living walls, oversized planters, hanging gardens, and indoor trees bring life into a space while improving its appearance and creating a relaxing atmosphere. Many homeowners enjoy surrounding themselves with plants because they soften interiors and create a stronger connection with nature. Read the rest of the post »
Budget-Friendly Ways to Add Built-In Storage to Older Homes
Older houses have a charm that new builds rarely match — crown molding, solid wood floors, character in every corner. But closets? Often an afterthought. Homes built before the 1970s frequently have far less storage than modern buyers expect, and that gap becomes obvious the moment you try to fit a modern wardrobe into a 1920s bungalow. The good news is that built-in storage doesn’t require a full renovation budget to pull off well. Read the rest of the post »
Elevate Your Space with High-Quality Dining Room Rugs and Comfortable Playmats
Introduction to the Importance of Rugs and Playmats in Interior Design. When it comes to designing a space, rugs and playmats are often overlooked. However, these simple additions can have a significant impact on both the aesthetics and functionality of a room. Rugs and playmats not only serve as decorative elements but also provide practical benefits that enhance the overall experience within a space. Read the rest of the post »
The Rise of Pet Fashion in the South
Out in the South, people treat their pets more like family these days. With that closeness deepening, clothes for dogs aren’t just goofy disguises anymore. It’s part of pet care. The gear is shaped by weather, walks, and how families actually live. These days, owners want gear that feels good, is comfortable, and works well. Style isn’t only about looks anymore. Caring for your dog now includes dressing them right – something climate and daily routines shape closely.
Source: Pexels (This is a collaborative post, for more information about our compensation please read our disclosure policy)
1. How Pet Clothes Match Southern Living?
People who aren’t familiar with the South sometimes picture pet fashion as a trend imported from somewhere else. In reality, much of what has driven its growth stems from how people in the region spend their time.
The South has long had a culture built around gathering outdoors. Many communities are also highly social and pet-friendly. So, naturally, the furry friends usually join in on daily outings. Because of that, pet owners have started treating pet apparel as more than just cute matching outfits.
Dog owners, for example, tend to pick outfits that let their dogs stay comfortable wherever they go. The more dogs become part of everyday routines, the more pet products start evolving around those routines.
2. Social Media Has Changed How Owners Shop
Social media gets a lot of credit for driving pet fashion, but the influence goes deeper than simply seeing cute photos online.
Years ago, if you wanted to know whether a particular jacket fit well or whether a sweater stretched out after a few washes, you were mostly relying on marketing photos and product descriptions.
Today, you can usually find dozens of real-world examples within a few minutes of scrolling on social media. The recommendations feel real when they come from an actual fellow pet owner living in the same community. That’s changed how people shop.
While scrolling feeds, pet owners now spot red flags in ill-fitting pet gear. Because of what they see online, buyers check fabric types, measure necks, and peek at how snug collars sit. A few negative comments might spark doubt, reducing impulsive buying.
That transparency has probably helped push pet apparel toward better fit and better functionality. And perhaps just as importantly, social media has made dog clothing feel less unusual.
Source: Pexels (This is a collaborative post, for more information about our compensation please read our disclosure policy)
3. Everyday Wear Is Replacing Occasional Costumes
One of the clearest signs that pet fashion has matured is the shift in attention toward everyday pieces.
Many dog owners have become less interested in buying something that gets worn once and then disappears into a storage bin until the next holiday. Instead, they’re choosing items that fit into regular life.
That’s part of the reason dog jumpers have become such a common choice. A dog can wear one during a cool morning walk, while riding in the car, during an outdoor gathering, or while spending time on a covered patio in the evening.
A lot of the pet apparel gaining popularity today isn’t flashy. In fact, some of the most commonly worn pieces are fairly simple. That’s a very different mindset than the one that dominated pet fashion years ago.
4. Comfort Has Become More Important Than Trends
Not long back, pet outfits were mostly about looking cute. Now, people pay attention to how they sit on their pets. Should a jacket pinch or rub, it gets set aside fast. Comfort matters more now than matching colors. Even stylish sweaters get dropped if they limit motion.
And most pets move better when their gear feels light. Because of this, people often choose gentle, breathable textiles. In a way, this change in focus has forced the pet fashion industry to improve. The pieces that stay in rotation are usually pretty simple. Soft fabrics. Comfortable fits. Enough flexibility for motion and quality builds.
Source: Pexels (This is a collaborative post, for more information about our compensation please read our disclosure policy)
5. Seasonal Weather Creates Different Fashion Needs
Southern winters vary widely by location, but cooler temperatures are the norm across much of the region. Some days start cold and warm up later. Cold fronts can arrive suddenly. Even areas known for mild weather often experience stretches of extra warmth.
That’s one reason dog winter apparel continues to attract interest from Southern pet owners. Some pups down South now wear light coats when temperatures drop. Vests that trap warmth let them move freely on chilly strolls.
Layering works well for animals in this region. Where snow piles high, thick layers may make sense. But down South, some light but warm layers might handle the chill just fine and make it easier to shed off as the temperature gets warmer.
6. Choosing Fashion That Works for Your Dog
The best pet clothing decisions shouldn’t be based on trends happening in the South. You need to pay attention to your dog in particular. Breed plays a role. Age plays a role. Coat type certainly matters. Temperament matters more than many people expect.
Some dogs also adapt quickly to new clothing. Others need time. A few never seem particularly interested in the idea, no matter how carefully you introduce it. That’s why observation tends to be more valuable than recommendations. The goal isn’t to convince a dog to wear something just because it’s trendy. It’s to find something that genuinely improves their comfort if they need it.
Conclusion
In many ways, the evolution of pet fashion mirrors the evolution of pet ownership itself. Dogs are more integrated into daily life than they once were, so the products surrounding them have naturally evolved as well.
What started as a niche category has become an everyday pet requirement for many families in the South. Not because dogs suddenly need extensive wardrobes, but because people spend more time with their pets and think more carefully about their comfort than they did years ago. Folks now pick pieces that fit their lives, making sure pets can handle heat, rain, and morning walks just fine.
Loft Ladders vs. Spiral Stairs: Which Is Better for Daily Use?
Lofts can add valuable living space, create architectural interest, and make better use of vertical square footage in homes, cabins, garages, studios, and accessory dwelling units. Whether used as a bedroom, home office, reading nook, or storage area, a loft’s functionality depends heavily on how easily it can be accessed. Read the rest of the post »
The Best Poolside Additions That Make Your Backyard More Functional and Beautiful
A well-planned pool is just one aspect of what makes a backyard genuinely pleasurable. How practical, cozy, and aesthetically pleasing the entire setting feels depends just as much on the surrounding area. A simple swimming area can be transformed into a fully integrated outdoor living space that promotes leisure, entertainment, and daily use with well-considered poolside modifications. This is especially true for homeowners investing in fiberglass pool installation, where the surrounding design choices can significantly enhance the overall experience and long-term value of the pool area. Read the rest of the post »
Roof to Gutters: Eco-Friendly Materials for Your Home’s Exterior
Building materials for your roof have come an incredibly long way just in the last couple of decades alone. So much of it is now made of recycled materials and lasts pretty much forever if installed properly and maintained well. Steel and vinyl not only last but are now being stamped to look like the old materials we love such as cedar and wood grains. Not to mention it comes in just about any color you can imagine too. Read the rest of the post »
How to Choose a Sectional Couch Without Buying the Wrong One (I’ve Seen It Happen)
If there is one piece of furniture that can make or break a living room, it’s the sectional. Get it right and the whole room suddenly makes sense. Get it wrong and you’re either living around something that’s too big for the space, or you bought something that seats three people in a room that needs to fit seven. I’ve seen both situations up close, and honestly, the wrong sectional is one of those purchases that is really hard to recover from without spending more money. So before you buy, there are a few things worth knowing that most furniture stores won’t walk you through. Read the rest of the post »
Essential Planning Tips Before Starting a Kitchen Upgrade Project
Giving your kitchen a fresh look is an exciting opportunity to improve functionality and aesthetics. However, success depends on thoughtful preparation long before construction begins. Careful planning can help you avoid unnecessary expenses, reduce stress, and ensure the finished space reflects your lifestyle and long-term goals. This post details defining your objective, establishing a realistic budget and more. Read the rest of the post »
How to Choose Android-Compatible Home Equipment
Your home is getting smarter. Televisions, speakers, thermostats, security cameras — almost everything now runs software, connects to Wi-Fi, and wants to talk to your phone. And if your phone runs Android, you’re in luck: the Android ecosystem is one of the most open and widely supported platforms in the smart home space. But “Android-compatible” doesn’t mean the same thing across every device. Knowing what to look for before you buy can save you a lot of frustration. Read the rest of the post »
Small Backyard? Here Are Space-Saving Office Pod Ideas
For homeowners with limited outdoor space, adding a dedicated remote workspace remains highly achievable. Space-saving office pods provide a climate-controlled, soundproof room without overwhelming a tiny backyard. Instead of paying for a massive home extension, a compact modular unit creates a firm boundary for deep focus right outside your back door. Read the rest of the post »
What Your Slow-Draining Sink Might Be Trying to Warn You About
A slow-draining sink is easy to dismiss. It still works, after all. The water eventually disappears, and life carries on. But in plumbing, eventually, is often the warning sign. Whether it’s a bathroom basin taking a little too long to clear or a kitchen sink leaving murky water around your plates, sluggish drainage usually points to a problem that is developing rather than one that has already peaked. Read the rest of the post »
Why Comfort in Metal Buildings Starts With the Right Insulation Strategy
Metal buildings have come a long way from their utilitarian roots. Today, they’re used for everything from warehouses and workshops to offices, retail spaces, churches, and even homes. Yet one issue still trips up many otherwise well-designed projects: comfort. People often assume comfort in a metal building comes down to the HVAC system. That matters, of course, but heating and cooling equipment can only do so much if the building envelope is working against it. In practice, the difference between a space that feels stable and usable year-round and one that swings from stuffy to chilly often starts with insulation. Read the rest of the post »
Popular Instagram Promotion Platforms for Creators
Instagram creators often reach a point where good posts alone do not create enough early movement. A Reel may explain a useful idea, show a product clearly, or introduce a creator’s style, yet still open with low views. That slow start can affect how the profile looks to new visitors. This is why many creators research promotion platforms. Some want more views on Reels. Others want a stronger first impression before pitching a brand, launching a product, or sending traffic from another channel. The smart approach is careful. A promotion service can support visibility, but it cannot replace content that people actually want to watch. Read the rest of the post »
Best Translation Services in Aspen, Colorado in 2026
Aspen is a small market with international needs. Local companies work with visitors, property owners, investors, seasonal staff, suppliers, software vendors, and service teams from different countries. That creates a steady need for translation, even when there are not many walk-in translation offices in town. For technology-related work, the choice becomes more careful. A buyer may need an app screen translated, a user guide prepared for another market, a website localized, or a certified document translated for a contract, visa, or hiring file. A cheap text swap can create trouble when product names, safety notes, data fields, or support instructions are handled poorly. Read the rest of the post »
How to Plan a Kitchen Remodel: What to DIY and What to Leave to the Pros
A kitchen remodel is one of the most practical home renovation projects you can invest in. However, it’s also one of the most complex projects to manage from start to finish. To avoid costly changes, rushed decisions, and half-finished updates, understanding how to plan a kitchen remodel can help you move through the project with more confidence. Read the rest of the post »
How to Make Your Study Space Cozy with Handmade Decorations
There’s a strange thing that happens when a desk feels like nothing. A person sits down, opens a laptop, and within twenty minutes finds an excuse to leave. Snack. Phone. Laundry that suddenly seems urgent. The room wasn’t pushing them out exactly, but it wasn’t holding them either. That’s the part most advice misses. A study area isn’t furniture. It’s a mood you build on purpose. Read the rest of the post »
Taking Care of What is Important to You
Everyone has a different value set, history, and life experiences. Yet one thing remains constant: Everyone values something. When you look over your life and consider what you hold dear, you know how special those people and things are, and you want to take care of them. Continue reading for some inspiration on how you can look after the things you love. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Decor Projects That Make Old Homes Feel New
Old homes often have strong character, but they can start to feel tired when finishes, fabrics, storage, and wall details are not updated. A full renovation is not always necessary. Small DIY decor projects can make older rooms feel brighter, cleaner, and more intentional. The best updates respect the home’s age while improving function. Instead of covering every original feature, focus on projects that refresh surfaces, organize memories, add texture, and make daily spaces easier to use. Read the rest of the post »
This Is How To Create A Spa-Like Bathroom
Have you ever envisioned yourself relaxing after a long day’s DIY in a bathroom that feels more like a spa? If so, then you have definitely come to the right place. Indeed, you can get all my tips on creating a spa-like haven in your very own home bathroom below. Read the rest of the post »
Want To Rent Out Your Property? The 5 Best Property Management Softwares That’ll Make Things Easier In 2026
When you make the decision to rent out a property, it’s usually because you either have a lot of spare room within your home, or because you’ve found a new home and don’t want to get rid of the old one. And you don’t have to! You can put it on the rental market and take on a tenant or two that’ll boost your profits over the next 6 to 12 months. That’ll certainly help with the moving fees and paying off the new mortgage! Read the rest of the post »
The Complete Guide to Painting Kitchen Cabinets the Right Way
Painting your kitchen cabinets is one of the best ways to completely transform the look and feel of your home without spending a fortune. A fresh coat of paint on tired, dated cabinets can make a kitchen feel brand new, and for a fraction of what a full renovation would cost. However, doing it wrong can cost you more in the long run. Read the rest of the post »
Simple Physics Lessons Students Can Find Around the House
Physics can seem hard when it remains in textbooks. Long explanations, illustrations, and formulas can feel far from actual life. But physics is not confined to the laboratory. You’ll also find it in kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and backyards. By studying everyday things, students can learn many basic concepts in physics. A falling spoon, a boiling kettle, or a rolling chair can be used to illustrate essential scientific topics. When students relate lessons to real examples, physics becomes easier to learn. Read the rest of the post »
How to DIY a Study Nook to Free the Kitchen From School Stuff
How many times have you facepalmed when you walked into the kitchen and saw grocery lists, craft supplies, permission slips, homework notes (you name it) scattered on the table? It all starts with an accident. You casually drop a notebook there or bring your laptop while cooking dinner to watch another video. Suddenly, you need a charger. Of course. Read the rest of the post »
The Renter-Safe Dorm Makeover: Tiny Room, Big DIY Energy
The dorm room is a unique combination of several different spaces. It serves as a bedroom, work area, eating spot, wardrobe, laundry zone, and occasional recovery space after a tiring lecture. Unfortunately, the typical university dorm room is often made from uninspiring materials: white walls, uncomfortable furniture, harsh lighting, and awkward layouts. Read the rest of the post »
No Art Skills? Make These DIY Pieces Look Expensive
Some houses are visually appealing because stories are hiding in every corner. These stories are not about everything being perfectly planned. They are about how an old frame became unique, how an ordinary lamp turned into something handmade, and how a forgotten tray suddenly completed a coffee table. Decorative magic does not have to be costly. It only needs a clever idea and a little free time. Read the rest of the post »
Aluminum Pergola Kits: Practical and Modern Solutions for Outdoor Spaces
Creating a comfortable outdoor space no longer requires months of construction or a custom architectural project. Aluminum pergola kits have redefined what is possible for homeowners and commercial buyers alike, delivering professionally engineered structures in a format that is straightforward to order, simple to install, and built to last for decades. Read the rest of the post »
Best Steel Doors for Commercial Properties in the UK
Commercial steel doors have a harder job than residential ones. They cycle hundreds of times a day, have to satisfy overlapping regulatory regimes (fire safety, security, accessibility, sometimes acoustic), and have to do all of that without failing for at least a decade. The wrong choice ripples through insurance, building safety registration, and tenancy management. Read the rest of the post »
Mulching to the Rescue: 7 Common Garden Problems High-Quality Mulch Can Solve
Mulch doesn’t get a lot of attention from gardeners. Some might say it’s “just old pieces of bark.” It sits quietly in planting beds, doing the boring work. It covers soil. It keeps things neat. It’s just not the most glamorous part of the garden. But did you know that mulch can be a lifesaver for many garden problems? It does a lot more than people think. It can solve issues that show up all season long. Dry soil. Weeds. Messy edges. It works harder when the garden acts a little off. Here are seven common problems mulch can fix. Read the rest of the post »
How to Make the Most of Your Retirement
Retirement is an important time in life that many people look forward to after years of hard work. It means freedom, relaxation, and the chance to follow dreams or explore new interests. To enjoy this time, a bit of planning and an open mind can make a big difference. It’s a great chance to change your lifestyle, pursue your passions, and create daily experiences that enrich your life. Read the rest of the post »
Why Wall Paneling Is a Popular Choice for Modern DIY Home Design?
DIY home design has become increasingly popular as homeowners look for creative and affordable ways to personalize their living spaces. Among the many interior design trends gaining attention, wall paneling has emerged as one of the most effective ways to add texture, style, and character to modern homes. Its versatility, ease of customization, and visual impact make it a favorite option for homeowners looking to transform interiors without major renovations. Read the rest of the post »
30 Inch Bathroom Vanity Ideas for Small Space: 7 Stylish Storage Solutions
Tiny bathrooms test our patience, but the right 30-inch vanity turns frustration into flow. Across the United States, 30- to 36-inch models top vanity sales because they slide into 5 × 8-foot powder rooms without sacrificing storage. This guide shares seven design-forward concepts—floating installs, fluted fronts, and more—plus shoppable picks from Willow Bath & Vanity and other trusted brands, so you can transform a cramped bath into a comfortably functional space. Read the rest of the post »
Best Feng Shui Plants for Home
You guys, it still cracks me up that even after more than a decade in this house, I’m still figuring out what she wants from me. I mean, after all the chaos of tearing out walls and the endless mess (ugh, remember the dust?), and honestly, after the wild ride of the last couple of years, I’ve become much more sensitive to the energy of my rooms. Read the rest of the post »
Designing a Functional, Comfortable Bathroom: A Practical Guide to Better Everyday Living
The bathroom is among the most heavily used rooms in any home, yet it’s frequently designed with aesthetics in mind rather than function first. Thoughtful choices—adjustable lighting, non-slip flooring, and versatile fixtures such as Hand showers, fixed showerheads, and well-placed storage—can quietly transform how comfortable, safe, and accessible a bathroom feels in daily use. This guide focuses on practical decisions that support real routines, rather than producing spaces that simply photograph well. Read the rest of the post »
How Sharp Mower Blades Improve Grass Health
There is a quiet moment many lawn owners notice without thinking much about it. You finish mowing, step back, and look at the grass as a single surface. Sometimes it looks even, fresh, and strong, and sometimes it looks rough, with pale tips and uneven texture. This difference often comes from one simple factor — the condition of the mower blade. A sharp blade cuts clean, while a dull blade damages the leaf. Over time, this detail shapes the entire look and health of the lawn. Read the rest of the post »
5 Times Freezer Room Hire Can Prevent Major Stock Loss
Stock loss in frozen storage rarely comes from one dramatic catastrophe. More often it’s a chain of small, predictable moments: a compressor that’s been “a bit noisy” for weeks, a delivery that turns up early, a heatwave that pushes equipment past its comfort zone, or a single door left ajar during a busy shift. Read the rest of the post »
7 Things to Consider When Choosing Door Handles With Locks
Door hardware is one of those details you only really notice when it’s wrong. A handle that feels flimsy, a lock that sticks, or a thumb turn that’s awkward to use quickly becomes a daily irritation—and, in some cases, a security risk. Choosing door handles with locks isn’t just about matching a finish to your hinges. You’re selecting a small mechanical system that has to suit the door’s construction, the room’s purpose, and the way people actually move through the space. Whether you’re upgrading a home, fitting out a rental, or specifying hardware for a commercial project, these seven considerations will keep you out of the common traps. Read the rest of the post »
When to DIY vs Call a Field Service Technician
Saturday morning, coffee in hand, you stare at the leaky faucet or the flickering breaker and ask the question every hands-on homeowner eventually faces: “Should I tackle this myself or phone a professional?” It’s more than a budget decision. Safety, long-term reliability, and even resale value ride on getting the call right. Some projects reward sweat equity and the satisfaction of a job well done; others can snowball into dangerous, costly disasters. Read the rest of the post »
Actually Cool Handmade Craft Ideas For Adults Who Want Something Fun To Make
Crafts are associated with glitter-filled explosions, skewed paper flowers, and DIY crafts that may seem adorable for three minutes before being stored in a drawer forever. Adult crafting has the potential to go above and beyond. It can be functional, humorous, personal, fashionable, and bizarrely intriguing. Read the rest of the post »
How to Make Your Bed Feel More Comfortable Without Overcomplicating It
A bedroom does not need a dramatic makeover to feel more relaxing. In most homes, comfort comes from a handful of smart choices that shape how the room works at the end of a long day. When bedding feels inviting, supportive, and easy to live with, the whole space becomes calmer and more useful. Read the rest of the post »
The Most Overlooked Exterior Repairs That Eventually Become Expensive Problems
Many homeowners focus heavily on visible interior upgrades while overlooking the exterior systems protecting the home itself. Fresh paint, kitchen remodels, flooring updates, and decorative renovations often receive immediate attention because the results are easy to see and enjoy. Exterior maintenance, on the other hand, is frequently delayed until a visible problem becomes impossible to ignore. Read the rest of the post »
How To Modernize Your Family Camping Experience Without Losing the Charm
Family camping trips have a way of creating memories that stick around for years. The smell of a campfire, late-night stories inside a tent, and waking up to cool morning air still carry the same charm they always have. At the same time, many families now look for small ways to make camping easier and more comfortable, which is why some travelers even explore park model homes with modern featuresfor inspiration when upgrading their outdoor setups without losing that classic camping feeling. Read the rest of the post »
A Quick One-Stop Guide For Renovating The Most Common Types Of Furniture
Second-hand furniture seems to have a life of its own. The chair finds itself in the garage. The dresser takes up space in the empty room. The coffee table bears marks from drinks, scratches, and an odd dent that no one remembers creating. But then comes the moment of realization, “Hey! This might actually be quite charming!” Read the rest of the post »
How to Create a Productive Study Corner in a Small Home or Apartment
Not every home has space for a full office, a separate homework room, or a quiet library-style setup. In a small home or apartment, the kitchen table, couch, bed, and desk often compete for the same purpose. That can make schoolwork, writing assignments, and online classes feel more stressful than they need to be. Read the rest of the post »
Rescue Your Denim Pile With Clever Upcycling Clothes Ideas
Denim is incredibly durable for a reason. Since it was made to protect miners and laborers, a good pair of jeans can survive rough weather and constant wear easily. Still, even the toughest fabric eventually develops a rip or goes out of style. Seeing damaged pants pile up in your dresser triggers a strange guilt about the money you spent. One stuck zipper is all it takes to lock a sturdy pair of jeans away for good. Read the rest of the post »
Retiring Heavy Aerosol Cans in Favor of a DIY Room Spray
Almost every cleaning aisle features walls of aerosol cans waiting for a buyer. Even though these pressurized metal cylinders are a household staple, they come with a long list of hidden problems. Mainstream companies routinely blast harsh chemicals and fake scents right into your personal space. When you depend on a standard air freshener, your rooms become saturated with heavy, lab-made ingredients. On top of that, the mist frequently leaves behind a grimy, sticky film that clings to your wooden tables and floors. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Home Organization Checklist to Prepare for a Rhode Island Move
Moving in Rhode Island comes with its own set of quirks. Older neighborhoods, narrow streets, compact triple-deckers, and unpredictable New England weather can turn an already stressful move into a chaotic one without a solid plan in place. A well-structured moving checklist makes the difference between a scattered moving day and a smooth one. The process breaks down into six manageable stages that build on each other: setting a moving timeline, working through decluttering, gathering packing supplies, building a labeling system, packing an essentials box, and preparing for moving day itself. Read the rest of the post »
Affordable Home Skills That Help Students Live More Independently
Living away from home as a student can feel exciting, scary, and confusing all at once. One day, someone else may be cooking dinner, washing clothes, and reminding you to pay attention to bills. The next day, you are standing in a tiny kitchen, staring at a packet of noodles, wondering if this is what adult life is supposed to look like. Sounds familiar? Read the rest of the post »
7 Horse Stall Upgrades for Old Farm Properties
Old farm properties have a way of pointing out problems at the worst possible time. A door starts dragging when your hands are full, the footing gets slick after a stretch of wet weather, or the lights somehow miss the exact corner where you need them most. Horse stalls do not need to be fancy to work well. They need to be safe, practical, and easy to use day after day. A few smart upgrades can make an older barn or horse shed feel less frustrating while still keeping the charm and character that made the place worth saving. Read the rest of the post »
Sleep Divorce: Why More Couples Are Sleeping Separately
The phrase is unfortunate. “Sleep divorce” sounds like the precursor to the real kind, which is part of why couples hesitate to talk about it even when it’s working for them. But the practice itself, couples choosing to sleep in separate beds or separate bedrooms, is quietly becoming common, and the evidence suggests that for a meaningful number of couples, it improves both their sleep and their relationship. Read the rest of the post »
Renovating a Home With a Private Well? Do This Before You Touch the Plumbing
Most renovation advice focuses on what you can see. Walls, floors, fixtures, cabinets. The stuff that shows up in before and after photos. But in an old farmhouse with a private well, some of the most important work happens before a single tool comes out, and it has nothing to do with demo day. Read the rest of the post »
When Your Home Renovation Plans Get to be Too Much
Most of us love the idea of getting our homes looking exactly how we want them. We dream of what we might do if we had the time and the money – a magic bookcase leading to a secret room anyone? Some of us charge ahead without the money, doing the work ourselves and upcycling. Read the rest of the post »
Spring Ant Invasions: Why Ants Enter Homes and How to Stop Them
When spring arrives, rising temperatures and melting snow create ideal conditions for ants to seek shelter inside homes. These tiny invaders follow scent trails to accessible food and moisture sources. The most effective response combines immediate cleanup, sealing potential entry points, and maintaining dry, clean spaces. With consistent attention to these fundamentals, you can discourage ants from establishing colonies indoors and enjoy a comfortable, pest-free home throughout the season. Read the rest of the post »
Restore Your Property Quickly Best Water Damage Restoration Services in Florida
Disaster might be from storms, floods, or even plumbing failure that may lead to unplanned water damage. With some properties in states, especially Florida, being affected by significant rainfall and hurricanes, homeowners have to respond quickly so that they can save their structures from getting damaged even more expensively. Water damage restoration professionals provide a vital service in minimizing loss and returning properties to their prior state. Read the rest of the post »
Top 3 Impact Window Installers in Fort Lauderdale for Storm Protection
The Fort Lauderdale lifestyle is defined by sun, sea, and sand. But living in South Florida also means gearing up for hurricane season every year. Hurricane impact windows are one of the best upgrades a homeowner in hurricane territory can make due to strong winds, flying debris, and severe storms. Read the rest of the post »
Building Smarter Commercial Spaces for Long-Term Growth
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, commercial spaces are no longer just physical locations; they’re strategic assets. From office buildings and retail centers to mixed-use developments, the way a space is designed and built directly impacts operational efficiency, brand perception, and long-term profitability. As companies look toward sustainable growth, the demand for smarter, more adaptable commercial environments continues to rise. Read the rest of the post »
Ask a Plumber These Questions Before You Hire (And Avoid Costly Mistakes)
The questions you ask a plumber before hiring can mean the difference between a job well done and thousands of dollars in home damage. Plumbing problems just need immediate attention, and the urgency can tempt you to hire the first available professional. But rushing this decision often results in mistakes that could have been prevented and can get pricey. A good plumber requires more than a quick online search. We’ve compiled the questions you need to ask a plumber before hiring, including questions about credentials, project details, pricing and warranties. Read the rest of the post »
How Visual Planning Can Help DIY Homeowners Avoid Costly Renovation Mistakes
Here’s a renovation mistake I’ve heard more times than I can count: someone spends weeks picking out the perfect flooring. They agonize over the samples. They finally choose it. Then the cabinets go in and the two things look terrible together, and there’s absolutely nothing to be done about it because both are already installed. Read the rest of the post »
How to Plan a DIY Furniture Project Before You Start Building
There is a point in most furniture builds where something goes wrong that did not have to. The piece is the wrong size for the space. The finish looks different than expected against the wall color. Two cuts were made from the same board that should have come from separate ones, and now there is not enough material to fix it without another trip to the store. Planning does not prevent all of that. But it catches most of it. Read the rest of the post »
Pre-Move Home Renovation: DIY Projects Worth Finishing Before You Go
The pre-move DIY list is one of those home-ownership questions where the math isn’t intuitive. Every renovation project has a cost-and-effort number. Every project also has a return-at-sale number, a will-we-enjoy-it-while-we-still-live-here number, and a handoff-to-the-next-owner number. Homeowners preparing for a long-distance move usually underestimate how much of the next 6-12 months will be consumed by the move itself, which means projects started “just before we go” often stretch into the stressful final weeks. Getting the DIY priorities right before a move means finishing the projects that matter, abandoning the ones that don’t, and sequencing everything so you’re not painting walls on moving day. Read the rest of the post »
A Few Things I Check When an Old Shed Starts Looking Rough
It never seems to happen all at once. One day, the shed looks fine from across the yard, and the next, little things start standing out. A strip of peeling paint along the side. A door that doesn’t close quite like it used to. A roofline that looks a bit uneven when you catch it from the right angle. At first, none of it feels urgent. That’s probably why it’s so easy to ignore. I’ve learned that this is usually the best time to slow down and take a closer look. Small issues tend to build on each other, and once they do, it gets harder to tell what’s simple wear and what’s becoming a bigger problem. Read the rest of the post »
5 Small Backyard Details That Get Really Annoying Really Fast
You spent a ton of time designing the perfect backyard, and it’s finally done. It looks like a photo from a social media post, and you’re ecstatic over it. Then you actually try to use it, and you realize it’s not as great as it looks. Yep… That’ll happen when the only thing you’re focused on is how something looks. I’m not saying you did anything wrong on purpose, but you’ve got to admit that you should have planned this thing a bit better, right? But if this is not you and you’re still in that planning phase, take a moment to read through some of the things you might regret later. Read the rest of the post »
The Hidden Systems That Make a Home Comfortable Every Day
When a person considers how they can improve their home, they tend to think first and foremost about the obvious improvements they can make. This might include a fresh new coat of paint, new furniture, new lighting, and new floors, among other things. Of course, these are important, and they do play a large part in how comfortable a person might feel in a given day, simply due to how much they can improve the overall look and feel of a house right off the bat. However, comfort is not always something that comes from what a person can directly observe, and a large part of what makes a house comfortable has to do with the hidden systems that operate behind the scenes every day without complaint or request for gratitude. One such system, and perhaps one of the most important, has to do with plumbing. Read the rest of the post »
Selecting the Right Potting Medium for Healthy Orchid Growth
Orchids rank among the most rewarding houseplants you can grow—but their success hinges on understanding what they actually need. Unlike the average potted plant, orchids have highly specific requirements, and nowhere is this more apparent than in their growing medium. Whether you’re tending indoor orchids in pots or building out a larger collection, the medium you choose will determine whether your plants develop strong roots, resist disease, and bloom reliably. This guide breaks down the science behind orchid potting mediums and offers practical advice for matching the right mix to your specific orchid type. Read the rest of the post »
What Sets Professional Movers Apart From Casual Help and Gig Services
When it’s time to move, many people face the same question: Do I hire professional movers, ask friends for help, or book a few workers through a gig app? On the surface, all three options might seem interchangeable. After all, boxes are boxes, and heavy furniture needs lifting, no matter who shows up. Read the rest of the post »
What Homeowners Should Know Before Installing a Concrete Driveway
A new concrete driveway is one of the better investments you can make in your home’s curb appeal and long-term value. But unlike interior projects where a mistake can be patched or painted over, concrete is permanent — what goes down stays down for 25 to 30 years. The decisions made before and during installation determine whether you get three decades of solid performance or a cracking, settling headache within five years. Read the rest of the post »
Why Hiring a Licensed Plumber Matters for Your Home
DIY projects have become incredibly popular in recent years. Many homeowners enjoy creating crafts, decorating their homes for the holidays, trying new recipes, or organizing their space with printables and handmade décor. These projects can be fun, rewarding, and a great way to add personality to your home. However, not every home project is ideal for a do-it-yourself approach. Plumbing systems are one area where professional experience and training truly matter. Read the rest of the post »
Why Homeowners Are Choosing Trenchless Sewer Repair in Chapel Hill
Sewer lines play a critical role in every home’s plumbing system, yet they are often forgotten until something goes wrong. When a sewer pipe becomes damaged or blocked, it can create serious problems such as backups, unpleasant odors, and even property damage. Fortunately, modern plumbing innovations have made it possible to repair many sewer lines without extensive digging. One of the most effective methods is cured-in-place pipe lining, commonly known as CIPP. This technology is quickly becoming a preferred option for sewer repair Chapel Hill homeowners may encounter. Read the rest of the post »
4 DIY sites worth your time
DIY culture is going strong across the US. According to CivicScience, 62% of American homeowners planned a home renovation or remodel within the following 12 months in 2024. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned hobbyist, finding reliable, well-organized resources is key to completing projects successfully. If you’re browsing any of these sites on the go, it’s smart to use a VPN for iPhone, for instance, for added security, and avoid submitting personal information to any platform you’re unfamiliar with. Here are four DIY sites worth bookmarking. Read the rest of the post »
Planning Our Backyard Deck: What I Learned Before Building
When we first started talking about adding a deck to our backyard, it was hard not to jump straight to the fun details. We were already imagining railings, outdoor furniture, and long summer evenings spent outside. But before a single board was cut, we realized the layout needed more attention than we first thought. Read the rest of the post »
The Planning Stage of a Pole Barn Build: The Choices That Pay Off in the Long Run
A pole barn can look simple at first glance. A roof, a few posts, and a big open space. That simplicity is part of the appeal, especially for a building that may end up serving as storage, a workshop, or a place for equipment. What matters most gets decided before construction begins. The planning stage shapes how useful the building feels later, from ceiling height and drainage to layout and roof structure. A well-planned pole barn stays useful as needs change and continues to work hard year after year. Read the rest of the post »
Smart Appliances and Modern Interiors: Where Design Dreams Meet Real-Life Headaches
Walk into any newly renovated kitchen today and you’ll notice what’s missing. Everything is flat, flush, hidden. The fridge blends into cabinetry. The dishwasher disappears completely. Even the range looks like it belongs in a design magazine rather than a home where someone actually cooks. We’ve all bought into the clean look. Flat fronts. Hidden handles. Appliances that disappear into cabinetry like they were never there. Smart tech made that aesthetic possible, no question. Touchscreens replaced knobs. Apps replaced control panels. Everything feels streamlined. Read the rest of the post »
Coastal Grandmacore: How to source and style
Nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is not just a pink-sand beach destination, but also a haven for unique shopping experiences. The island is home to a number of exceptional artists and antique outlets and their stories are inspiring. Many English and Irish imports in this former British colony are available at very low prices. These include Waterford crystal, jewellery and time pieces that can be found in the craft markets and small shops located inside historic cottages. When shopping for secondhand home decor items, were you drawn to styles your grandmother liked when you were a kid? If the answer is yes, then you might be the perfect candidate for the coastal grandma core aesthetic! Read the rest of the post »
How to Incorporate Vibrant Backsplash Tiles Into a Neutral Kitchen
Neutral colors create a timeless, serene kitchen. But adding a colorful backsplash makes the space more intriguing without being overwhelming. Success lies in balancing these bold elements so they feel purposeful. This article explores how to make your backsplash the perfect focal point. Read the rest of the post »
When You Love a House but You’re Tired of Living in It
You woke up, went to the kitchen, opened up that flimsy cabinet that’s been very insistent on staying like that forever, and noticed there’s no coffee. So what you do is you look for your car key in order to go to the store. You pass the crooked floor in the hallway, reminding you again that it has not been evened out ever since you got here. And you got here a long time ago. The house, filled with memories of growing up, having loved ones come and go, is now showing the signs of time. Read the rest of the post »
Why a Sewer Inspection Is the First Step Before Sewer Repair in Greensboro NC
Most homeowners spend time maintaining what they can see, such as paint, flooring, landscaping, lighting fixtures, and appliances. However, one of the most important systems in your home is your sewer line. When something goes wrong beneath the surface, it can quickly disrupt daily life and lead to expensive repairs. Read the rest of the post »
What Kind of Flowers Should You Give for a 30th Birthday?
You should give flowers that are as bright and significant as the person you are commemorating when they turn 30. A carefully chosen arrangement of flowers for a 30th birthday can show who you are, where you are in life, and the message you want to deliver. When selecting the perfect 30th birthday flowers, it’s important to keep in mind both the recipient’s personality and the special meaning behind this milestone. Flowers can become a lasting symbol of support, admiration, or love. Read the rest of the post »
How To Move To A Bigger House
Moving to a bigger house can sometimes be the best option if you need some more space and storage or perhaps you’re looking for a garden that you didn’t have before, and so on. But before you go ahead and do it, there’s actually quite a lot to think about because a bigger house means different plans might have to be made – and different ways of living might even come into it as well. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more. Read the rest of the post »
Don’t Toss That Old Mattress! How a Topper Can Save You Hundreds
There’s a certain kind of pride that comes with living in an old house. If you’ve followed my journey here at Grandma’s House DIY, you know I’m all about the “before and afters.” I love the creaky floorboards, the history in the walls, and the challenge of making something old feel brand new again without breaking the bank. Read the rest of the post »
Best Bulk Gravel Providers 2026 Reviewed
Gravel is one of the most popular choices for backyards and driveways. Buying in bulk offers cost savings, while also ensuring you don’t run out of materials halfway through a project. If you’re sprucing up your yard or looking for gravel to enhance curb appeal, it’s a great idea to explore bulk providers and compare prices. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the top bulk gravel providers in the US to help you find the best deals near you. Read the rest of the post »
The Home Repairs That Look Easy Online But Can Wreck Your Plumbing Fast
There is a certain confidence that creeps in after watching a few home repair videos. The tools look simple, the narrator sounds calm, and suddenly a Saturday afternoon plumbing fix feels totally reasonable. Until it is not. Plumbing is one of those systems that plays nice right up until it does not, and when it goes wrong, it tends to go wrong behind walls, under floors, or somewhere that smells terrible and costs real money. Knowing where to draw the line is not about fear, it is about respect for how unforgiving water can be once it escapes its lane. Read the rest of the post »
How California Contractors Can Maximize Their Insurance Benefits
California contractors face constant financial and legal pressures that make strong insurance coverage more than a formality. Job site accidents, property damage, or disputes can quickly lead to expenses that standard policies may not fully cover. To maximize insurance benefits, contractors must understand how each policy works together to protect both their business assets and personal finances. Read the rest of the post »
Proven Tactics for Managing Common Indoor Pests and Protecting Your Property
Indoor pest infestations can disrupt daily life, damage property, and even pose health risks for households. Whether it’s ants in the kitchen, rodents in the attic, or cockroaches in the bathroom, many homeowners eventually face the challenge of unwanted pests. Choosing a reliable pest control service is a crucial step in tackling these issues efficiently and safely. But what should you look for when selecting a professional pest control provider for your home? Read the rest of the post »
Maximizing Efficiency: Your Complete Resource for Construction and Debris Management
Choosing the right demolition dumpster rental company can make or break the efficiency of your construction or remodeling project. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a renovation or a contractor managing a commercial demolition, selecting a dependable dumpster rental service with the right size, pricing, and environmental practices is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive resource for residents and businesses in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, offering actionable insights to help you navigate dumpster rental options with confidence. Read the rest of the post »
Small Kitchen Renovation Ideas That Make Your Space Look Twice as Big
A small kitchen might look bigger if the design steps are taken correctly. Space feels wider, not by building more, but through clever shifts in how things sit and their shapes. Flow shows up soft when countertops give room rather than pack tightly. Peace arrives not by disabling purpose, but altering how gazes move over wall surfaces. Not only does the number beside “floor plan” matter, but so does where eyes follow through the space. Read the rest of the post »
Tips to Grow Your Mobile Home Set-Up Contractor Skills
Mobile homes, now known as manufactured homes after the introduction of HUD safety and energy codes, are always rising in demand, and for very good reasons. Mostly, it is due to their affordability and flexibility. The ever-growing demand is great news for contractors with skills in setting up and maintaining these houses. As a mobile or manufactured home contractor, your goal is to grow your skills so you can earn trust, improve outcomes, and future-proof your career in such a highly specialised field. Here’s how to achieve this goal. Read the rest of the post »
Outdoor Space Makeovers That Start with Smart Tree Care
Whether you are planning a backyard refresh or mapping out a full garden renovation, trees are often the biggest and most overlooked part of the equation. Before the first shovel breaks ground or a single patio paver is laid, it helps to understand the condition and placement of the trees already in your yard. An often unseen but essential step is seeking out arborist consulting to help ensure your makeover does not unintentionally damage the landscape’s most valuable assets. Read the rest of the post »
How to Start Releasing Equity From Your Property Investments
Releasing equity from property investments has become a practical strategy for investors looking to grow portfolios, improve liquidity, or reposition assets without exiting the market entirely. As lending conditions tighten and capital becomes more selective, understanding how equity release works at a technical level is critical. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Home Projects That Are More Dangerous Than They Look
Many DIY projects feel familiar because they happen in spaces we use every day. Painting a room, swapping out a light fixture, or fixing a loose floorboard often seems simple, especially after watching a few tutorials or tackling similar jobs before. That familiarity can make certain projects feel safer than they really are. Read the rest of the post »
Why Dachshunds Make Great Indoor Dogs—and How to Set Your Home Up for Success
For many homeowners, especially those who value comfort, routine, and a well-loved living space, choosing the right dog is about more than looks. It’s about temperament, size, care needs, and how well a puppy fits into everyday life at home. Dachshunds consistently stand out as one of the best indoor dog breeds—affectionate, compact, and full of personality—when they’re ethically bred and raised with care. Read the rest of the post »
The role of flagstones for sale in timeless architectural detailing
Architecture’s most enduring masterpieces share a common thread: an innate connection to the earth, often expressed through the materials chosen for their construction. From ancient Roman roads to the courtyards of European estates, natural stone has always signified permanence and quality. It provides a tactile, non-replicable aesthetic that synthetic materials simply cannot match, giving a structure a sense of roots and history. This inherent quality is why architects and designers continually turn to natural flagstones for sale when planning projects that aspire to transcend fleeting trends. Flagstone, with its geological heritage and naturally irregular planes, is not just a hardscaping component; it is a foundational element in establishing architectural harmony. Read the rest of the post »
Three changes you should be making to your home in 2026
Your home is a space you should be proud of. It’s the place you spend a lot of your life, whether that’s relaxing in the evening after going to work, or spending the weekends in, when you have finished exploring. With this in mind, it’s important you make sure your home is in the best condition possible. Not only because this will help keep its value (or help it increase value), but it will also make you proud to be in it, and you will enjoy your time in it a lot more. Read the rest of the post »
Creating Layered, Lived-In Bedroom Spaces Through Thoughtful Furniture Selection
The landscape of modern bedroom design has undergone a dramatic transformation, moving decisively away from sterile minimalism toward spaces that feel collected, personal, and deeply comfortable. Today’s homeowners are no longer chasing catalog-perfect rooms; instead, they’re embracing layered interiors that tell their unique stories and prioritize genuine comfort above all else. This evolution touches every aspect of bedroom design, including the often-overlooked bedside area. While most people naturally focus on selecting the perfect bed, the supporting pieces—such as contemporary nightstands—actually play an equally crucial role in establishing both the aesthetic and functionality of the space. Learning how to choose and style these secondary pieces can elevate a bedroom from a purely functional sleeping area into a true sanctuary that feels both intentional and welcoming. Read the rest of the post »
Simple DIY Safety Upgrades That Make Your Home Feel More Secure
There’s something grounding about knowing your home is a place where everyone can move around without worry. You don’t need a full renovation to get there. Small projects and thoughtful tweaks often do more for safety than any major overhaul. With a few tools and a little patience, everyday spaces can feel steadier and more welcoming. Read the rest of the post »
The Necessity of Vetting Window Repair Professionals
When a broken window lock or foggy pane demands attention, the instinct to seek a quick and affordable fix can be strong. However, in a complex repair environment like Chicago, selecting a highly credentialed, insured, and certified professional is essential. This is not merely a preference; it is the most effective way to shield your property from potential financial and legal liabilities. This guide provides property owners with the expert knowledge required to vet any potential contractor, focusing on the critical factors that distinguish a reliable firm from a risky one. Seeking expert advice for tasks like window restoration near me is the crucial first step. Read the rest of the post »
Choosing Meaningful Pieces That Are Made to Last
Some of the most treasured items in a home are not the newest or the most eye-catching. They are the pieces that carry stories, memories and a sense of continuity. These are the things that feel woven into family life, quietly present across years and generations. Choosing items with longevity in mind is about more than durability. It is about selecting things that will still feel meaningful as time passes and life changes. Read the rest of the post »
Top Mistakes Pond Owners Make When Aerating (and How to Avoid Them)
Smart pond upgrades should simplify your maintenance routine, not create more work. Pond aerators deliver exactly that when you plan and install them correctly. If you’re comparing options and trying to pick the best pond aerator, Pond Haven’s pond aeration collection breaks down aeration styles (including off-grid-friendly possibilities), which makes it easier to avoid the most common mistakes that waste money or leave your pond feeling “unchanged.” Read the rest of the post »
Heated Garden Hose vs Heat Tape: Which Is Better for Preventing Frozen Lines?
Frozen garden hoses can make winter tasks frustrating. Many homeowners look for ways to keep water flowing during freezing temperatures, and two common solutions come up: heated garden hoses and heat tape. Both aim to solve the same problem, but they work differently and come with their own pros and cons. Read the rest of the post »
Every Home Needs A Fire Safety Plan
While no one wants to have to deal with an emergency situation in the home, we don’t always have a choice in the matter. Fires are one of the greatest dangers that face your household and your family, so even if you think the chances of being in one are relatively slim, it’s still important to be prepared in the event that one strikes. For that reason, we’re going to look at the crucial elements of a fire safety plan that you should set up. Read the rest of the post »
Table Saw Blade Safety Checks Easily Forgotten
There is nothing better in a DIYer’s life than a new project and a new tool. Well, of course, the finished product is important, but the joy is truly in the ‘creating,’ and the pride comes with the finished project. All DIYers love a gadget, and the table saw is one of the best tools for all kinds of projects. The DIY store can only make so many cuts in your sheet of wood; they will usually do one, maybe two, to get the wood to a manageable size, but the rest is up to you and your tools at home. Having the right tools can make a project go so much more smoothly. Read the rest of the post »
Inspiring Young Minds: How Learning Resources Enhance Family Bonding
In today’s fast-paced world, family time is more important than ever. Whether it’s a weekend afternoon or a quiet evening at home, finding ways to spend quality time together can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. One of the most effective ways to nurture family connections is through learning activities that engage children’s minds and encourage creativity. Read the rest of the post »
How to Create Photo Books That Preserve Your Most Cherished Memories
In today’s digital age, it is easy for photos to get lost in a sea of smartphones, cloud storage, and social media. While capturing memories has never been easier, finding ways to preserve them meaningfully is more important than ever. Photo books provide a unique opportunity to bring your images together into a tangible, lasting keepsake. Beyond simply displaying pictures, they tell a story, capture emotions, and allow you to relive moments in a personal, immersive way. From family milestones and travel adventures to weddings and everyday joys, these albums are a creative way to celebrate life. Read the rest of the post »
The Final Step: Our Metal Roof Installation is Complete
After getting all the plywood up on the roof in the last post, I honestly felt like we had already climbed a mountain. Of course, Lodi did not see it that way. He was already gearing up for the next big push, which was getting the metal roof installed. Why stop and rest when you can keep going, right? The garage addition had been sitting there looking awfully bare with only plywood on top, so watching those stacks of steel finally make their way up the ladder was a sight for sore eyes. This stage felt like the moment when everything finally started coming together and the building stopped looking half finished. Read the rest of the post »
What DIYers Gain by Working With a Professional House Plan
If you love DIY, chances are you’ve poured your heart into making your home feel more personal. Whether this means painting walls, building shelves, or refinishing furniture, DIYers can spend hours trying to make everything look right. But when despite all that passion and effort, the result of your DIY work is not up to your expectations, it can be disappointing. Read the rest of the post »
Traditional Lawn Mowers vs Robot Mowers: Which to Choose?
When it comes to maintaining a lawn, the choice between a traditional lawn mower and a robotic lawn mower is becoming increasingly relevant. Advances in technology and growing concerns over environmental impact are pushing many homeowners to reconsider the way they mow. Below, we’ll compare both options across key factors—so you can decide which fits your lifestyle, budget, and yard the best. Read the rest of the post »
Breathe New Life into Bouquets: DIY Floral Décor for a Fresh Look at Home
The Power of Flowers in DIY Décor. Flowers are more than simply an aesthetic; they have the power to transform any place. You can do wonders for your house with just one bouquet; they inject vitality and beauty into any space. The presence of flowers, whether they are new carnation bouquet or an old favorite that is beginning to fade, may lift your spirits, transform the atmosphere of any room, and elicit a wide range of feelings. But imagine you could transform that bouquet into something special and long-lasting. DIY floral décor is perfect for that.
Is Going Solar Worth It?
As more homeowners are looking for ways to cut energy costs and live more sustainably, solar power is continuing to rise in popularity. Yet one common question often comes up early in the decision making process: Do solar panels work at night? The simple answer is no. They generate electricity only when sunlight hits them. But modern solar systems are designed with smart solutions that store or supplement energy, making solar power a reliable and valuable option for most houses. Read the rest of the post »
From Stable to Sanctuary: Creating a Peaceful Space for Your Horses
When I first started thinking about turning my old stable into something more than just a place to feed and muck out, I kept circling back to one word: peaceful. Horses thrive in calm, steady environments, and honestly, so do I. It is easy to focus on fences, hay storage, and tack hooks, but what really transforms a stable into a sanctuary are the small, thoughtful choices that make every moment there softer and calmer.
Smart Investments for Restaurant Entrepreneurs: From Kitchen Equipment to Property Financing
Running a restaurant takes more than passion—it demands strategy. Every investment, from kitchen tools to property decisions, impacts success. How do you balance daily operations with long-term growth? Well, with practical planning and smart choices, owners can build efficiency today while laying the foundation for a thriving business tomorrow. Read the rest of the post »
How to Remove and Replace Your Clogged Kitchen Sink Aerator
If you’re noticing that the tap water flow coming from your kitchen sink isn’t what it used to be, it could be that your faucet’s aerator is clogged. You can attempt to clean the aerator on a DIY basis, but if that doesn’t work, it probably means you’re going to need to replace the aerator with a new one. According to Aerator.com, replacing your faucet aerators is a simple and affordable maintenance procedure that can improve the longevity, performance, and efficiency of your faucets. The good news is that you can replace your kitchen faucet aerator on your own which will save you some cash, which can be hard to come by these days. Read the rest of the post »
Why Natural, Worn, and Weathered Floors Are Trending Again
Keeping up with home trends can feel exhausting sometimes. One year, it’s all about high-gloss finishes and sleek minimalism, and the next, everyone’s ripping that out for something more “authentic.” You might even be feeling that tug right now. There’s a craving for something more grounded, more lived-in, something that doesn’t make you feel like you’re walking through a showroom every day. And that’s exactly why natural, worn, and weathered floors are making such a strong comeback. Whether you’re renovating your living space or shopping for new options through a Pay weekly carpet plan, this trend is tapping into a deeper desire for comfort and character over cold perfection. Read the rest of the post »
Why Gold Bathroom Radiators Are the Ideal Choice for Renovating Historic Homes
Renovating a historic home is no small feat. The careful balance of preserving the unique charm of the property while updating it with modern conveniences can be a tricky task. Among the many upgrades homeowners consider, heating is one area where function and style must align. When it comes to selecting the perfect radiator for a vintage bathroom, gold radiators stands out. Gold bathroom radiators might seem like an extravagant choice, but they’re quickly becoming a favorite among those who want to renovate their historic homes without sacrificing modern functionality. Read the rest of the post »
The Unspoken Side of Country Living: Simple Ways to Stay Safe on Winding Roads
Quiet Roads, Hidden Risks. There’s a kind of peace that only country roads can offer. The sound of gravel under your tires replaces city noise, and the sky at night stretches wide and unbroken. Most days, that quiet feels like a gift. But now and then, it reminds you how dark the world gets after sunset, or how a turn can sneak up out of the fog before you even see it. Read the rest of the post »
Best Luxury Bedding for Warmth and Comfort: Effortless Style for Cozy Homes
Creating a cozy, luxurious retreat at home doesn’t need to be a daunting task. With the right bedding, you can transform your bedroom into a haven of warmth and comfort with minimal effort. Here, we’ll explore the best luxury bedding options that offer both style and ease, so you can enjoy effortless luxury and a peaceful night’s sleep without the headache of complicated bed-making routines. Read the rest of the post »
How to Choose an Effective and Safe Flea Collar for Your Dog
Fleas can cause more than just itching—they can lead to skin problems and even disease. Choosing the right flea collar helps protect a dog’s health and comfort without adding stress for the owner. The best flea collar is one that safely repels and kills fleas while staying comfortable and effective for months. Read the rest of the post »
Here’s Some Of The Best Home Renovation Ideas for Flooring
Are you considering renovating your home and installing new flooring? If you are, then you need to plan this out carefully. The last thing that you want is to find that you are half way through a renovation, regretting every single decision that you made because you didn’t think it through properly. We’re not saying that this is definitely going to happen to you, but it’s not really worth the risk, is it? We don’t think so, and that’s why we’re going to be talking about all things renovation down below. Our focus is going to be on ideas for renovations, but we’re also going to be throwing in some of our favorite tips throughout. Read the rest of the post »
Clean Out Clear Up and Power On Essential Services for Every DIYer
You’ve finally decided to overhaul that cluttered garage, tackle the leaky tap, and maybe even upgrade the tired switchboard while you’re at it. Before the sawdust settles, you need a game plan for trash, tools, and safe, steady power. In this guide, you’ll sort what stays, scrap what goes, and learn when calling The Local Electrician makes more sense than running new cables yourself—especially for complex Level 2 tasks anyway. Read the rest of the post »
When Speed Meets Safety: Coordinating Urgent Moving Services Smoothly
Moving is always a stressful experience. Life has a way of presenting unexpected turns, and sometimes those turns require a swift change of address. The prospect of an urgent move can feel overwhelming, a chaotic storm of logistics, emotions, and tight deadlines. You are suddenly tasked with a monumental list of challenges, including: Read the rest of the post »
How to Age in Place Comfortably: Home Projects and Financial Tools That Help
The minor adjustments we make today will prevent problems from developing in the future. The following fundamental DIY and remodeling projects lead to significant enhancements in home comfort and safety. People who age in place maintain their financial stability, home comfort, and safety while staying in their current residence. Thoughtful DIY improvements, combined with smart financial planning, enable you to create a home that will sustain your lifestyle for several years. Read the rest of the post »
Innovative Ways to Use Faux Wreaths in Your Home
Faux wreaths are contemporary decor popular with home decorators and interior designers because they look so realistic and are so versatile. Made with new materials and exceptional craftsmanship, faux wreaths can remain lush and vibrant throughout the year. They economically save the hassle of watering, sunlight, or general upkeep. Some of the most common faux wreath designs boast realistic interpretations of boxwoods, peonies, or funky cotton pods. Faux Christmas wreaths can be used for seasonal celebrations, everyday style, or a creative accent piece. Their dry duration is not limited by seasons or the lifespan of real foliage, allowing you to swap out styles for holidays and your own creative aesthetic. Faux wreaths are made with durability for daily handling, making them desirable décor points for a high-traffic area or a hard-to-reach area. Faux wreaths add warmth, color, and visual interest to any room, without any worry about dried or dropping leaves. Read the rest of the post »
7 Things Every Family Should Talk About at the Dinner Table
The dinner table isn’t just for meals. It’s where families gather around to talk. Where hearts open up so stories can spill out. The conversation can’t stop at just “Pass the salt.” Real conversations around the dinner table help children feel seen and safe. It gives a chance for parents to stay connected with their kids. It’s where family bonds become stronger. By having important conversations over dinner, you teach your children that home is the safest place to bring up questions and worries. But what should you actually be talking about as a family? Here are seven topics to touch on often. Read the rest of the post »
Creative School Break Camps in New York: Fashion, Fun, and Learning
School breaks are the perfect time to find activities that are both fun and useful. Instead of spending the whole break in front of a screen or getting bored, more and more families are choosing camps that mix fun, learning, and hands-on creativity. One of the most popular new options in New York is school break camps, where kids and teens get to design, sew, and express themselves. Read the rest of the post »
The Dangers of DIY Gas Fitting: Why You Should Hire an Expert
Fixing things around the house can feel rewarding. Painting a wall, building a shelf, or replacing a tap is usually safe and gives you that “I did it myself” satisfaction. But gas fitting is a different story. It’s one of those jobs that really isn’t worth taking on yourself. The risks are bigger than most people realize, and mistakes can be life threatening. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Home Care vs. Professional Help: Knowing When to Call in Experts
Maintaining a home often feels like a never-ending list of projects. From painting and landscaping to small repairs, many homeowners enjoy the challenge of tackling tasks themselves. Doing so can save money and provide a sense of accomplishment. But some projects carry higher risks if done incorrectly and knowing when to call a professional makes all the difference. Read the rest of the post »
More Than the Mop – 8 Ways to Ensure Your Cleaning Products Go the Distance
Making your home cleaner starts with more than just scrubbing, vacuuming, and mopping, but ensuring that the tools you rely on are in their best condition. We should remember that cleaning products and equipment are an investment, and like any good investment, it’s about quality, so they should be properly cared for to ensure they last and perform at their peak. So let’s show you how to make sure your cleaning products are built to last and keep working efficiently: Read the rest of the post »
7 Safety Essentials You Need in Your Home
We spend most of our lives at home. It is where we rest, cook, raise families, and keep our belongings. Yet accidents in the home account for thousands of injuries and deaths every year. Fires start in kitchens, falls happen in bathrooms, and invisible gases like carbon monoxide quietly build up in the air. The good news is that most of these risks are preventable. With a few thoughtful upgrades and some everyday habits, your home can be a much safer place. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Home Upgrades That Add Value Before You Sell
Owning a house is like having a hobby you never signed up for. Just when you finally finish one project, something else pops up. Over the years, I’ve learned that if I don’t stay on top of little things, they pile up and suddenly feel overwhelming. That’s why I usually go for budget-friendly, DIY projects. I’m not talking about knocking down walls or doing a full kitchen remodel. I mean the kind of simple, visible upgrades that make your home feel cared for, like fresh paint, new blinds or curtains, or even tidying up the garden. Small things, but they make a big difference. Read the rest of the post »
How to Choose the Perfect Modern Loveseat for Small Spaces
One of the challenges of having a small space is creating a comfy, chic area where you can linger and unwind. A great piece of furniture that can make a difference is a loveseat. Choosing the ideal modern loveseat requires understanding size, style, and functionality. This guide will assist you in understanding what to look for in a loveseat that enhances smaller spaces with a hint of sophistication. Read the rest of the post »
These Renovations Blend Your Indoor and Outdoor Living Space
Homes that feel spacious, natural, and flexible are often designed around the relationship between inside and out. Whether you’re building new or renovating an older property, there are ways to make your living space feel more connected to what’s beyond the walls. The right updates can create a flow that feels both open and practical, no matter your climate or lot size outdoor. Read the rest of the post »
Making Your Garage Door Work Smarter: DIY Upgrades for a Better Everyday Entry
The Garage Door You Actually Use Every Day. You pull in, the door lifts, and you walk inside. Without thinking twice, the garage becomes your main way in and out of the house. It’s convenient, direct, and part of your daily rhythm—but it probably hasn’t seen an upgrade in years. While we spend time painting front porches or adding charm to entryways, the garage door quietly does most of the work. And like anything that gets heavy use, it’s worth asking: is it still doing the job well? Could it be doing it better? Read the rest of the post »
The Value of Handmade and Repurposed Interior Design
You don’t have to buy a brand new piece of furniture or decoration every time you plan your home’s interior design. Handcrafting or repurposing pieces to suit your home can add a unique spin to your design that you can’t get anywhere else. There are numerous obvious benefits to bypassing mass-produced goods from big-box retailers as well. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Renovation Budgeting: Where To Get A Loan
There’s a thrill in tackling a home project yourself. Pulling up carpet. Painting that first coat. Turning an outdated kitchen into something you can be proud of. But there’s one thing that hits every DIY renovator at some point. Money. Projects cost more than you think. Even the small ones. That’s why planning your budget—and knowing where to borrow when savings run out—can make or break the experience. This guide will walk you through what to expect when budgeting for your DIY renovations, when a loan makes sense, and the different ways to finance your dream without letting it turn into a nightmare. Read the rest of the post »
Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Between a Flat File and Mill File
When it comes to shaping, sharpening, or smoothing materials, few tools are as essential as files. While both flat files and mill files may look similar to the untrained eye, their design and purpose differ significantly. Understanding these differences can make the work easier, improve efficiency, and even extend the lifespan of your tools and materials. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing between a flat file and mill file, from their structure and uses to practical tips for selecting the right one for your project. Read the rest of the post »
Things You Must Know Before You Renovate Your Home
Home renovation projects can feel daunting even if you have the finest tool kits or are a DIYer. It is not easy to handle a renovation yourself, and the one thing you need to keep in mind is to assume nothing. When you begin, you might feel like the job is as simple as it looks, but that wouldn’t be the case. Never make your design decisions based on Pinterest unless you are prepared to second-guess everything. Always keep in mind that the home renovation will cost you more than you have budgeted for. Read the rest of the post »
Should I Test for Mold Before Starting a Renovation Project?
Renovation plans often focus on surface upgrades like fresh paint, new flooring, and modern fixtures. But what happens when those upgrades uncover hidden moisture damage or unexpected mold? If you’re getting ready to tear out walls, open ceilings, or replace plumbing, mold testing is a step worth considering. Read the rest of the post »
Cooking class adventures: mastering Greek and Italian in its homeland
A cooking adventure in Europe provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture, traditions and flavors. From mastering the art of making pasta in Italy to taking a cooking class on the Greek island of Naxos, each presents an opportunity to not only learn, but also to interact with fellow food enthusiasts from across the world. So take a look at some of these unforgettable food experiences across Europe that will hone your culinary skills, make new friends and above all create lasting memories.
Trick-or-Treating? 7 Halloween Safety Rules Everyone Should Note
Halloween is all about spooky thrills and wild imagination. With witches, popular characters, superheroes, and goblins taking over the streets, you are in for a night of quirky fun. While Halloween is an exciting time for family, friends, and even pets to come together and make the most of the spooky festivities, ensuring safety and avoiding injuries should be the numero uno priority. Consider these Halloween safety measures to make the festival risk-free and danger-free.
How to DIY Install a Ceiling Fan with Light Combo
Installing a ceiling fan with light combo can transform your room’s comfort and functionality while adding value to your home. With the right tools, materials, and safety precautions, this project is achievable for most DIY enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparation to final testing.
The Unexpected Benefits of a New Furnace: Beyond Just Heat for Your Home
Replacing a furnace rarely tops anyone’s wish list. Most homeowners act only when the old unit groans, the repair bill climbs, or the first cold snap hits. Yet installing a modern furnace delivers more than a reliable blast of warm air. From healthier indoor living to quieter evenings, the upgrade can reshape daily life in ways few people expect. Below are seven benefits that reach well beyond the thermostat setting.
How to Maintain and Clean Your Outdoor Reclining Chair for Longer Use
Outdoor reclining chairs offer the perfect blend of comfort and relaxation. It is ideal for lounging on the patio, by the pool, or in the garden. However, extreme use, weather, and dirt can negatively affect their appearance and performance. To maintain your outdoor recliner for as long as possible, it is essential to perform regular maintenance and cleaning on it. This is an easy-to-follow guide on how to clean and maintain your outdoor reclining chair properly.
Moving to or from Minnesota? Here’s What Helped Me Get Through It
I’ve only moved a couple of times in my life, but that was more than enough to learn just how overwhelming it can be. The boxes, the decisions, the logistics, it all adds up fast. And if you’re moving in or out of Minnesota, the weather alone can throw a wrench into even the best-laid plans. When I moved from a small town in southern Minnesota to a different part of the state, I had no idea how many little details I’d need to juggle. From dealing with icy sidewalks to figuring out how to load furniture without freezing my fingers off, I quickly realized that even a short-distance move comes with its challenges.
How to Refresh Your Home on a Budget
Waking up to a space that feels brand new doesn’t have to come with a giant price tag or endless renovation dust. With a few smart swaps and budget-friendly updates, you can turn your home into a fresh, stylish haven that feels like a breath of fresh air. A splash of color here, a thrift find there, and suddenly you’re looking at your rooms in a whole new way. Affordable decor and simple upgrades can work wonders in creating a cozy vibe without the stress of big spending. You’ll discover how easy it is to makeover your space, find secondhand treasures, and add personal touches that make every corner feel special. Curious to know how to refresh your home without overspending? Stick around — these ideas might just inspire your next weekend project.
How Much Rock Do You Really Need for Landscaping?
You’re excited to start your landscaping project but then you find yourself at the store, staring at piles of rocks and bags of gravel, wondering how much of this stuff you’ll actually need, and will you need to keep coming back for more. If you buy a lot right now, will you end up with a giant mound on your driveway that will sit there for weeks, staring at you?
From Gates to Gutters: Add Value With External Upgrades
The outside of a home does more than frame the structure. It sets expectations. It shapes mood. And it often decides whether a buyer walks through the front door or keeps driving. Two upgrades in particular speak volumes about how a home has been cared for: a custom metal gate and a properly fitted seamless gutter system. One makes a strong visual statement. The other protects everything behind the scenes. Together, they elevate value in a way that few other exterior improvements can. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Mini Splits: Are They Worth the Effort?
Mini-split systems are the first choice whenever an efficient cooling and heating solution is needed. These systems provide flexibility, energy savings, and increased comfort. As DIY strategies become more popular, some wonder, “Can you install a mini split without hiring a professional?” In this post, we will discuss the pros and cons of DIY mini splits so you can decide whether tackling this project is the right choice for you.
The Smart Warehouse: Innovations in Commercial Management
Smart warehousing has in the last few years completely changed commercial management. These new premises make use of advanced technologies that not only make tasks easier but also make them more efficient leading to people and materials being utilized more effectively. The key fundamental technological concept that has driven this transition is the imprinting of smart, data-driven facilities to a place of higher commerce efficiency.
6 Clever Ways to Repurpose Old Furniture Instead of Throwing It Away
Old furniture taking up space in your attic or garage? It might look like junk now, but with the right approach, it could become the most talked-about piece in your home. Upcycling isn’t just a trend—it’s a smart, creative way to cut clutter, reduce waste, and give your living space a unique twist. Plus, it’s a win for both your wallet and the planet. From chipped coffee tables to scratched dressers, those forgotten pieces hold real potential. All it takes is a little vision and maybe a screwdriver or two.
Deep-Clean Steps That Protect Historic Finishes
Did you know that improperly cleaning historic finishes can lead to irreversible damage in up to 75% of cases? When you’re tasked with maintaining these valuable surfaces, it’s vital to approach the deep-cleaning process with a careful strategy. By understanding the right techniques and tools, you can protect the integrity and beauty of your historic finishes. Hiring a professional West Hartford housekeeping service with experience in delicate surfaces can ensure these methods are applied with the precision required. But what steps should you prioritize to guarantee the best results without compromising their value?
How Wallpaper Can Add a Textured Touch for Cozy Farmhouse-Inspired Rooms
Farmhouse style is all about those warm, super cozy vibes. And guess what? Wallpaper is your secret weapon for bringing in texture that makes rooms feel snug, like a warm hug! Think about a living room or bedroom. Plain walls can sometimes feel a bit cold or boring. But adding wallpaper with some texture? That changes everything. It’s like wrapping your whole space in a soft, inviting blanket. Rough, woven, or even charming floral patterns just scream farmhouse charm. You don’t need anything super fancy – just the right wallpaper to make your space feel truly like home. Textured walls really add depth, pulling you into that rustic, beautifully lived-in look. Ready to give it a try? Let’s dive into how this magic works. Read the rest of the post »
2025 House Painting Trends: Colors, Finishes, and Inspirations
There’s something magical about a fresh coat of paint. No wonder color has the power to uplift spaces and moods. The psychology behind it is simple: Color affects perception, behavior, and emotion. Imagine a world without brilliant hues and comforting pastels would be dull and uninspiring. With 2025 at the halfway mark, house painting trends are all about personality, comfort, and a subtle nod to nature. Ready to be emboldened? Let’s take a look at the hues, finishes, and ideas turning heads this year, and maybe spark a few ideas for your home refresh.
When Mold, Trash and Medical Waste Turn Your Home into a Hazard Zone
Your home should be a sanctuary where you feel safe, clean, and protected. But what if it’s quietly turning into a health threat? Mold hiding behind your walls, trash piling in neglected corners, or improperly discarded medical supplies can all turn your home into a hazard zone, without you even realizing it. These elements not only degrade the comfort and hygiene of your space but also expose you and your loved ones to serious health risks.
From Basement to Roof: How to Refresh Your Home Without Overspending
All homeowners dream about refreshing their homes for a new, modern look. But, they also dread time-consuming renovations or risky and expensive maintenance like foundation and roof repairs. While the final results are always appealing, extensive projects require a massive investment, often restricted by a tight budget. Putting effort into our basement though can really pay off in the long run.
7 Small Home Fixes That Make a Big Difference After Relocating
Relocating to a new home often marks the start of an exciting chapter, but it is not always a smooth transition. Even with the help of professional moving services, there’s a transition period where your new space doesn’t quite feel like “home” yet. That’s where minor, strategic home fixes can make a significant impact. The goal isn’t just to unpack but to settle in, and how you make a space livable often comes down to subtle yet meaningful upgrades. It could be something as simple as a coat of paint or retractable screen doors that improve both functionality and comfort.
Little Tweaks for Seasonal Eating Without a Full Overhaul
Seasonal eating is not only environmentally friendly, it is a celebration of flavors at their peak. This can be a manifestation of your commitment to a healthier lifestyle, your decision to contribute to a sustainable environment, or simply a love for fresh ingredients. What deters some from making this switch is the misconception that seasonal eating involves an extensive overhaul of eating habits. This is far from the truth. Little tweaks to your diet and shopping habits can allow you to enjoy the benefits of seasonal eating without a major lifestyle disruption. Read the rest of the post »
How to Choose the Right Tile Based on the Room
When choosing a tile, is it more of a “one-tile-fits-everything” scenario, or should the area you tile impact your choice? It’s more complicated than you might think, especially since there are factors that relate to each room that you would need to consider before tiling them. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Tips for a Comfortable and Safe Home for Retirement
Many people fail to realize that their homes may not be safe for retirement until it’s too late. As you age, mobility and dexterity can change rapidly, increasing your risk of falls or joint pain with certain home layouts and fixtures. Some homes may not be suitable for older adults at all. You don’t need to wait until danger has occurred to create a safer and more convenient living environment. You also don’t need to commit to a full home remodel. Some simple DIY tasks can set your home up for success as you approach retirement, even if you’re not quite there yet. There’s nothing wrong with safety and accessibility at any age.
6 Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen
The kitchen is a space where cherished memories are created with loved ones and meaningful conversations take place. Hence, creating a comfortable and conducive kitchen environment is essential. In this article, we will discuss the key benefits of revamping your home and provide useful tips to make the entire process smoother and more efficient. Read the rest of the post »
Hotel Diffuser: Elevate Guest Experience with Signature Scents
In today’s hyper-competitive hospitality industry, creating a memorable first impression is more important than ever. While elegant décor and high-end amenities are staples of luxury, many hotels are turning to an often-overlooked element: scent. A hotel diffuser is more than just a pleasant addition—it’s a powerful branding tool that helps define the atmosphere of a property from the moment guests step into the lobby. Read the rest of the post »
Moving Soon? Essential Tips to Protect Your Belongings
Moving to a new home is a significant life event. While exciting, it often brings a fair share of stress and challenges. One of the biggest concerns during a move is protecting your belongings. Items can get damaged, lost, or broken if not properly prepared and handled. This article provides essential tips to safeguard your possessions throughout the moving process, from preparation to final unpacking. Read the rest of the post »
Designing Your Dream Home: Trends in Modern and Luxury House Plans
Let’s be real—designing a home is exciting. But it’s also a lot. So many decisions. So many ideas. Where do you even start? The truth is, you don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. The key is knowing what you like and what fits your lifestyle. That’s where trends come in. They give you ideas. They help you narrow things down. Let’s break down what’s hot in modern and luxury home plans right now. And how you can use those ideas to build a home that feels just right. Read the rest of the post »
How I Added Smart Home Features Without Losing My Farmhouse Feel
A farmhouse-style home and modern technology may seem worlds apart. If you want smart home features in your home, there are ways to find that balance between modern convenience and timeless appeal. The technology you use can enhance your life in many ways without overtaking your classic farmhouse décor. If you have a farmhouse style house but you crave some modern convenience, read on to find out how you can have both. Read the rest of the post »
DIY vs. Professional Long-Distance Moving: What Truly Offers Peace of Mind?
Moving long-distance requires a lot of decision-making, especially if you’re doing so with a family and a lot of luggage, furniture and appliances too. A major enough cross-country move can require weeks or even months of planning and preparation if it is to be done right, and isn’t dissimilar to other major life events. Read the rest of the post »
How to Keep Your Pet Warm and Safe During Winters
I’m from northern Minnesota here and that means easily -30 degrees fahrenheit in the winters. But I’ve noticed when you offer your pet the opportunity to go in or outside. They usually don’t just sit outside and freeze to death lol. In fact, they never do. We took on my SO’s grandma’s dog with my only stipulation was that he HAD to use the doggy door. Little dog figure it out. Adores it. And there has never been a problem. So, yeah, he’s a part of the family. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Vs Professional Foundation Repair: Pros and Cons
Foundation problems like cracking walls, sinking floors, and sticking doors can weaken the integrity of your home. When these issues arise, homeowners must decide whether they will fix them themselves or hire professionals. Your home’s foundation supports everything above it, so getting repairs right is essential for maintaining safety and property value. The choice to do-it-yourself or to hire an expert repair comes down to weighing initial cost against long-term results and peace of mind. This guide covers what you need to know about DIY vs. professional repair so that you can make the best decision for your home. Read the rest of the post »
Frugal Bathroom Makeover Ideas Featuring Towels and Accessories
Refreshing your bathroom doesn’t have to mean a costly renovation. With a little creativity and a focus on affordable updates, you can transform your bathroom into a cozy, stylish retreat without breaking the bank. Towels and accessories, often overlooked, are powerful tools in this makeover journey. Let’s explore frugal bathroom makeover ideas featuring towels and complementary decor that enhance comfort and style while respecting your budget. Read the rest of the post »
Top Things You Need to Know Before Choosing the Best Home Builder
If you are considering building a custom home, then one of your most important decisions will be who to build your home with. My mom just built her dream home and was fortunate enough to know the perfect contractor for her. They are literally worth their weight in gold. They find, hire and organize all of the sub contractors, keep everyone on time and on schedule and make sure they have what products they need to complete their work correctly. With that said, there are several things that you should look for in a home builder, and we have jotted them down in the list below. Read the rest of the post »
The 3 Best Custom Sectionals for Open-Plan Farmhouse Spaces
Open-plan farmhouse spaces call for furniture that’s both adaptable and inviting. The right sectional doesn’t just define living zones—it keeps that warm, communal vibe farmhouse interiors are so good at. Finding the best custom sectionals lets homeowners boost both function and comfort in their open layouts. Custom sectionals can be tweaked for different room shapes, décor tastes, and seating needs, which makes them a smart fit for these flexible living areas. Read the rest of the post »
Collect, Create, Profit: How Trading Cards and DIY Crafting Can Generate Passive Income
2025 is yet another year of growth for side hustles and passive income ideas. Among the most lucrative and often overlooked opportunities are trading cards and DIY crafting. Surprised? Don’t be. Being a collector or artist can now be an avenue to monetize your hobbies, and these markets offer multiple avenues to make money online, or earn passive income. Read the rest of the post »
The Ultimate Guide To Preparing Your Dog For A Pet Sitter
Leaving your dog with someone else while you travel or work long hours can be stressful for both of you. But with the right steps, you can make the experience smooth and even enjoyable for your pup. Prepping your dog for a pet sitter is about more than just leaving a bowl of kibble and a leash behind. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get your dog ready and keep your mind at ease while you’re away. Read the rest of the post »
Bringing the Cabin Vibe Home: Cozy Ideas for a Rustic Backyard Escape
There’s something about a log cabin that stirs a sense of comfort. Maybe it’s the scent of pine or the quiet way wood soaks in sunlight, but cabins have a way of inviting stillness. For many, they’ve long been tucked away in dreams—imagined at the edge of a forest or beside a winding lake. But a cabin retreat doesn’t have to exist miles away in the wilderness. With a little intention, that peaceful charm can be brought closer to home, right into the backyard. Read the rest of the post »
How Should You Landscape Around Your Pool?
A well-landscaped pool area can turn a backyard into something that feels like a private resort. But the best pool landscaping does more than look good. It also supports safety, simplifies maintenance, and helps your pool area stay functional over time. Whether you’re working with a compact plunge pool or a sprawling in-ground installation, the surrounding design plays a big role in how much you enjoy the space. Read the rest of the post »
Will a Kitchen Remodel Affect Your HVAC System?
When homeowners plan a kitchen remodel, most of the focus falls on cabinetry, countertops, layout, and appliances. But your heating and cooling system may also need adjustments, especially if you’re moving walls, changing airflow, or reconfiguring how your kitchen functions day to day. Read the rest of the post »
What Fencing Styles Don’t Need to Be Painted Often? Here’s Your Guide
I dream of someday owning a fence and a whole deck that is entirely zero maintenance lol. Knowing where we live here in northern Minnesota I didn’t bother painting or staining either one of them as it just won’t last long here in our extreme weather. Vinyl and composite materials are super duper expensive though so that is the dream someday hopefully we’ll be able to save up for them though before either our fence or deck needs to be replaced! Read the rest of the post »
Do Custom Built-Ins Increase Your Home’s Value?
Custom built-ins are often seen as the kind of upgrade that makes a home feel more finished, more tailored, and more luxurious. From floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and fireplace surrounds to walk-in closet systems and home office cabinetry, built-ins can solve storage issues and give a room purpose. But do they actually add value when it’s time to sell? Read the rest of the post »
Is the Cost of Installing a Wet Bar Worth It?
My brother is in a position with his currant home that a wet bar is on his list as a fantastic idea. They have two “living rooms” separated by the kitchen. One is a floor door and completely dedicated to their kids’ space. To keep the kiddos out of the kitchen he immediately dropped on the great idea of giving them a wet bar with a mini refrigerator in their space! Read the rest of the post »
Can a Custom Home Feel Handmade? Absolutely — Here’s How
There’s something special about walking into a room and knowing your hands helped shape it. Maybe it’s a crooked line in the tile that still makes you smile, or the way sunlight filters through a window you insisted on salvaging, despite the extra work. For folks like us who’d rather spend a weekend covered in sawdust than shopping for showroom finishes, the soul of a home lives in the details, the imperfections, the stories. Read the rest of the post »
When to Re-Oil or Re-Finish Your Wood Floors: A Practical Guide
Wood flooring is a timeless choice that adds elegance and warmth to any home. Whether you have solid wood or engineered wood flooring, maintaining that fresh-from-the-showroom look doesn’t happen by accident. One of the most important aspects of caring for wood floors is knowing when it’s time to re-oil or refinish them. If you’re unsure about the signs or the benefits, here’s a practical guide to help keep your floors in top condition. Read the rest of the post »
Can I Do It Myself? A Beginner’s Guide to Installing Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring offers the beauty of solid wood with added durability and stability, making it a popular choice for modern homes. But if you’re wondering whether you can install it yourself—good news! With the right tools, preparation, and a bit of patience, installing engineered wood flooring can be a manageable and rewarding DIY project. If you’re not interested in DIYing your floors though you can look for a qualified ADU Contractor. Read the rest of the post »
Kitchens Inspired by Movies and How to Design Them
The first movie that popped out at my in this article was the kitchen design from the movie Under a Tucson Sun and I immediately, “Oh yes!” That gorgeous rustic kitchen accompanied by all the quirks and perks in living in that kind of climate makes my heart soar. All that gorgeous stucco and terracotta, the glassless windows and doors that all open directly into the garden as though the outside is just as a part of the kitchen as the inside. (Check out some tasty non-alcoholic functional beverages here.) Just love it! Read the rest of the post »
Best Times of Year to Upgrade Appliances
If you’ve ever stared at your aging washing machine or humming fridge and thought, “Maybe it’s time,” you’re not alone. Knowing when to upgrade home appliances can make a huge difference not just for your home’s efficiency—but also for your wallet. With savvy timing, you can avoid paying full price and even score better warranty terms or bundle deals. But when is the right time to shop? Read the rest of the post »
Timeless Farmhouse Backsplash Ideas for Every Kitchen
There are so many options available that you may just find the search for the perfect farmhouse backsplash as much fun as the result! This post looks at a few evergreen concepts appropriate for kitchens of all sizes and designs. Read the rest of the post »
Bought a Fixer Upper Essential Tips for Completing a DIY Remodel
There are so many reasons people choose to buy a fixer upper as their next property. Maybe you want to renovate the property and then flip it to earn yourself a healthy profit. Perhaps you love the idea of transforming a property to meet your exact needs. Or, maybe you want to get the most house for your money, and this means buying a bigger house in poor condition for less money. Read the rest of the post »
10 Ways to Make Your Home More Valuable Before You Sell
I think whether its time to sell or whether your home just needs a refresh paint is always the smartest, least expensive place to start to give you the most bang for your buck. It can add a ton of value as well, just getting those dingy ceilings painted after a few years of living can make a massive difference in the way a home feels. Read the rest of the post »
Scandinavian-Inspired Home Ideas
There is a lot in my roots that comes from Scandinavia, you can see its influence just about everywhere up here in northern Minnesota and I’ve always loved it. It is all about practicality and I think there is such beauty in that. Everything is built to last by hand, out of hardwood. I have many pieces that are over 100 years old and obviously hail from the influence of simplicity. I love that we are starting to embrace that in our design now as if its a new concept but its as old as time. Read the rest of the post »
Creating a Wellness-Focused Home With Simple Upgrades for a Healthier Lifestyle
The concept of home is evolving, and more people are shifting their focus toward designing spaces that enhance their well-being. A wellness-focused home goes beyond aesthetics, prioritizing air quality, hydration, natural materials, and an environment that supports physical and mental health. With the growing trend of incorporating wellness-driven upgrades, homeowners are finding ways to transform their living spaces into sanctuaries that promote relaxation, balance, and longevity. Read the rest of the post »
Deal Maker or Money Drainer? The Real Value of Business Energy Brokers
Business energy comparison is a major concern for companies trying to lower costs while keeping operations efficient. Many businesses turn to business energy brokers, hoping to secure better energy contracts and save money. These brokers promise to find cost-effective energy deals, negotiate terms, and simplify contract management. But are they truly a valuable asset, or do they add hidden costs that drain resources? Read the rest of the post »
Taking time to recharge and refresh after a busy season
I think one of my favorite memes I’ve seen on Facebook was the quote, “On Saturday mornings I like to sit on the couch and sip my coffee for 30 or 40 hours to recharge.” Pretty cute and so very much me. I hate mornings with a passion that I come by very naturally from a long line of nocturnal people. My dream in this life would be to not have a schedule. To be able to rise and fall as my body dictates. To work or rest as I feel like. But I guess that’s pretty true for all of us isn’t it? Read the rest of the post »
The Future of Sustainable Energy: Innovations and Impact
We’re a long ways from running our homes on completely sustainable energy but we’ve also come leaps and bounds from not even ten years ago. Even light bulbs moving to LED’s have made a huge impact in our electric bills. I used to dream of adding solar panels or a wind mill to our farm and get to watch our electric meter spin backwards. (Yes I used to watch way too much HGTV!) That isn’t near as much as a pipe dream as it used to be though! Read the rest of the post »
Going Pro: Turning DIY Plumbing Know-How Into Something More
Plumbing would not be my first choice when it came to going pro though I did plumb in all of the water lines and drains for this home after completely gutting it. (Which was the plumbing for two kitchens and three bathrooms.) But I can certainly relate. Though plumbing was not my favorite I did always find myself with a knack for running electrical. I wouldn’t necessarily say I enjoyed running the all of the electrical for my home but I was pretty good at it and even looked forward to it! Read the rest of the post »
Retirement in Style: DIY Tips for a Comfortable, Creative Future
Though I am far from what is considered “retirement” age I certainly dream of one day putting the grind behind me and focusing entirely on my home and DIY projects and, of course, this blog! But I’m not alone. More and more people my age (in their 30s and 40s) are finding ways to “side hustle” from home that they can get that life far earlier than their parents were able to. I’m starting to think that might just be the modern day “American dream” I certainly know that its mine! Read the rest of the post »
How Carpet Entrance Matting Prevents Slips and Falls
I just installed carpet treads on our long staircase down to the basement for just this reason: safety. Solid wood staircases are beautiful but my gosh are they slippery! And after painting out the whole staircase in a gloss oil based paint it was practically a hazard. Little motion sensor lights helped as well but there was no getting around that I really needed to get some padding on that staircase. But I didn’t want to just carpet the whole thing, I wanted to be able to leave our options open and those carpet treads turned out to be the perfect solution. Matting and rugs are just plain necessary in front of doors and at entrances for collecting dirt as well. Read the rest of the post »
5 Biggest Mistakes That Slow Down Your Home Sale (And How to Avoid Them)
Selling a home is more than getting a good profit and changing location. It is an emotional and stressful job, and if the process takes longer than expected it can be really overwhelming. Of course, you don’t need to rush things with sales nor you should, but there are ways to avoid long and stressful sales. You can sell it on your own or use a platform for selling, but regardless of that, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid. Read the rest of the post »
5 Must-Have Kitchen Upgrades for Modern Living
I love our air fryer so much that I’m almost to point of telling everyone that its the first thing they need to add to their kitchen lol. In all seriousness though a kitchen may be beautiful but it has to function well before I’d ever want to have to live with it. Of all the rooms of a house function really is key most especially in the kitchen. Cooking she be as easy as the chef makes it and not hindered by space or the appliances. Read the rest of the post »
Exterior Makeovers That Instantly Boost Curb Appeal
Simply mowing and doing some weed wacking can take a place from 0-10 in exterior looks almost instantly. But also small repairs can make a huge different. Paint touch ups, weeding in the flower beds and, of course, planting some flowers too! I’m so excited this coming year to work on our soffits and replace them with vinyl so they no longer need paint and also to get my garden in! Read the rest of the post »
DIY a Rug From Scratch With Just a Handful of Supplies
Several years back I set out to braid my very own very large area rug and… I would never do it again lol. I have a WHOLE new respect for people who braid or create their own rugs by hand now and absolutely no longer scoff at how much some of them cost. It was a tremendous amount of work! But, in the end, I really did like how my rug turned out. Read the rest of the post »
How Wholesale Cabinets Can Help You Stick to Your Budget
A lot of money can be saved by purchasing stock cabinets as opposed to going full custom. The wonderful thing is though that stock cabinets can still look like custom by updating them yourself. Whether with paint, hardware, a new backsplash or countertop all of those things that make stock cabinets look high end. Read the rest of the post »
Space-Saving Tips for Your Home Bar Setup
We had a fun bar out in our garage for awhile that we used for parties and what not. Where we live in northern MN though we could never leave anything out there through the winter and we certainly, also, weren’t using it in the winter either. We used our island as kind of a “bar cart” for awhile in the kitchen and that made a lot of space saving sense! Read the rest of the post »
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home
As the sister to a home inspector and someone who works in real estate myself I tell any individuals I know to always get an inspection and to always purchase title insurance when buying a new property. Both give you the assurance of a clean title and a home you’re walking into knowing there will be no bad surprises down the line. Read the rest of the post »
Creating a Cozy Study Environment with Handmade Items
Having a good space to study or work makes a tremendous difference in our productivity. Once I finished my office and workshop I was SO relieved because I knew just how much more I would be able to get done! A study space is more than just a desk and a chair — it’s a personal sanctuary where focus, inspiration, and creativity meet. A well-designed work space can make all the difference in how productive and motivated college students are. Many students find it hard to make a workspace that is both useful and welcoming because they don’t have a lot of money or room. Read the rest of the post »
How to Find a Trustworthy House Cleaner Without the Headache
I knew I’d truly become an adult when my family asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I couldn’t imagine anything more amazing than someone coming and cleaning my house top to bottom lol. In all seriousness though house cleaners are absolutely worth it and can take so much off of your chore plate. There really is nothing more amazing to coming home to a cleaner house especially if that generally isn’t the case! Read the rest of the post »
Simple Design Hacks I Learned To Make The Most Of Tight Spaces
One thing I’ve learned during this whole incredible process is how to be flexible and adjust my designs into layouts that are both functional and beautiful. This can be particularly tough when tackling renovations in small rooms and tight spaces, especially in an old farmhouse. Changing your mind set from “small” to “cozy” and filled with character can help a lot! Read the rest of the post »
Trying out the Elegear Cooling Comforter
I’m teaming up with Elegear again now to try out their “cooling” comforter blanket. I’m just gonna say what we’re all thinking: A blanket CAN’T actually be cooling lol and that is certainly true, however, I am really impressed with how this blanket somehow manages to both still have some weight (for comfort) but doesn’t hold hardly any heat in it at all. It is literally the opposite of suffocating, it feels like a cloud. Read the rest of the post »
My DIY Experience with Tesla Battery Storage: What to Know
When I first moved in here I really wanted to someday install solar or wind power here on the farm. All those DIY shows back then showing their electric meters actually going BACKWARDS and making them money. Just a few years ago though the battery storage (and massive upkeep) for a home based solar or wind system was a massive undertaking and far more cost and effort than it was worth. Nowadays though, everything is moving very fast to accommodate battery power – its really exciting! My dad purchased himself an electric Prius and he loves it! Read the rest of the post »
Try This Grandma-Approved Window Cleaning Method
Cleaning windows is probably no one’s favorite job out there lol but it can be super duper satisfying as windows tend to take a LONG time to get dirty. So we don’t actually notice so much until we clean them and then WOW what a difference! Vinegar has been my tried and true cleaning solution for years and pretty much never fails me. I did pick up a pack of lens cleaning wipes once though and learned that, in the toughest of situations, those can really help on any smooth surface! Read the rest of the post »
Redo Your Garage Floor: Pricing Explained
I actually used a garage flooring kit in our basement a few years ago. it came out amazing, though we didn’t add the chips we just left it in the gloss black that we wanted. How much does it cost to redo a garage floor? The exact cost depends heavily on square footage, total labor costs, and surface prep needed. The national average cost of replacing a garage floor hovers between $800–$1,200 per stall for epoxy and $2,160–$2,880 for polyurea. Read the rest of the post »
Transforming Unused Spaces into Functional Rooms
Well, it wasn’t exactly a room for us but actually an unused back hall that was just as big as the giant closet attached to it. Its not quite large enough to be a legal bedroom but enclosing it gave us an amazing opportunity for space that would work far better for our family. I think a lot of homes have spaces like these that, if thought about with a bit of creativity, can add a lot of value to the home especially for the people living there. Read the rest of the post »
5 New Additions to Your Old Home You’ll Never Regret
It sounds like a contradiction but there are a lot of additions you can add to an old home to make it feel modern and new without losing its charm. New windows are at the top as that’s just a smart energy /money saver, but they easily don’t have to be in a modern style and still keep with the feel of the older house. Artwork, fresh paint and refurbished furnishings can make an old space feel wonderfully brand new. Read the rest of the post »
Trying out the Elegear Deep Sleep Pillow
I’ve mentioned it from time to time here on the blog but when it comes to me and my pillow I’m a bit of the princess from the Princess and the Pea fairytale. It was kind of a yucky story actually as the prince was trying to find and marry a “true” princess and his mother’s test was putting a single pea beneath a giant stack of mattresses. As only a “true” princess would be soft and sensitive enough to sleep poorly because of a single pea. It is a good lesson on the teaching that even tiny things can make a huge impact in our lives… but still. Read the rest of the post »
Why Renovating an Old House is a Great Idea
Well, as you might already suspect, I would ALWAYS say that renovating an old house is a great idea! I love our old house even though it was a ton of work to get here and there are always things to deal with that a new house would never crop up. I will always be glad I did this and love this place. Read the rest of the post »
Clever DIY Tips for a Functional and Cozy Baby Room
I helped a friend of mine design her sister’s new baby room and it was a ton of fun! She went with a neutral all animals theme jazzing the room up with pillows and accessories while keeping a warm base color that could grow with her daughter. We wall papered the closet doors and the room side of the main door with beautiful sky themed wall paper that could be changed any time really easily. Read the rest of the post »
Your Home with Custom Shades: Style, Function, and Comfort
Custom shades offer more than just a way to control sunlight—they can completely redefine the look and feel of your living space. With the expertise of Glamour Decorating NYC, custom shades bring enhanced privacy, improved energy efficiency, and a new level of sophistication to your home. Here are the many ways they can transform your living space. Read the rest of the post »
Small DIY Projects That Can Raise the Value of Your Home
A lot can be done to raise the value of a home with just a lot of sweat equity. A friend of mine uninstalled and repainted all of the light fixtures and hardware in her entire home. Using just a couple of cans of Rustoleum spray paint the difference in her home was tremendous. She took the 80s gold hardware to bronze and my gosh did it modernize her home! Read the rest of the post »
Is Your Antique Home on Shaky Ground? Foundation Surprises in the 1900s Builds
I have seen so many beautiful old homes torn down because of foundation issues. My brother, a home inspector, also starts with the foundation. Really, without a foundation, it doesn’t matter how great the rest of the home is. The foundation must, first off, be fixed and be safe to save a home. Of course, the older the home (ours was built in 1915) the more likely that there has been damage over the years. Read the rest of the post »
How to Choose Outdoor Decor That Lasts
One hardship we massively face here in northern Minnesota is really finding anything that we can leave outside that can last through our severe climate. Our records go from 120 degrees in our summers to -50 degrees in our winters. Of course, it isn’t usually quite that extreme, but even this year we’ve already seen -20 and +100 just in the last six months. So, finding outdoor decor we can actually leave outside all year can be really difficult! Read the rest of the post »
Optimize Your Senior Living Community for Long-Term Profit
We have an amazing organization here that is dedicated to events, food and just all around help for seniors in our area. It focuses on giving people what they need so they can continue living in their home for as long as possible. Their volunteers do everything from cooking, cleaning and grocery shopping to just offering some company. Whenever we can spare it Lodi and I donate to them throughout the year. Read the rest of the post »
How to Use a Splitting Froe for Unique Handmade Furniture Projects
My brother owns a saw mill and uses a lot of old school techniques along the way which leaves amazing marks behind on the boards he cuts. I’ve never used a splitting froe before but I have cut a lot of firewood in my life and think its an amazing tool. I’ve been fortunate to have been able to trade for some my brother’s hand cut wood and it is absolutely gorgeous. Read the rest of the post »
In Search of Forex Predictability: Can Historical Data Really Forecast Trends?
So when it comes to trading in the currency markets, do past data really help predict future price movements. The idea is enticing: if we know how the market behaved before, will it behave the same way again? There’s no clear answer, but understanding historical trends can be useful. Read the rest of the post »
How Do Refrigerator Water Filters Work?
Water filtration where I’m from is a really big deal. A lot of folks around me have whole house filtration systems. At the very least most people use the filter on their refrigerator for drinking water. Most people don’t know how often it should be changed out though and this article reminded me I need to go check ours! Read the rest of the post »
7 Key Signs Your Home’s Foundation May Need Repair
My brother is a professional home inspector and the very first thing he does is check out the foundation of a home and then the roof. The two things that not only cost the most to repair but could also mean a home isn’t even safe to live in. But a solid foundation is not surprisingly the bead rock of a home, just about everything else can be fixed, but if you don’t have a solid foundation to start with no other repairs matter until the foundation is good. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Craft and Activity Ideas for Kids, Creative Educational Fun
I struggle pretty hard with kids as I was raised pretty solitary (homeschooled) and never wanted children of my own. I figured out some folks just aren’t kids people and that’s ok! (Turns out this is true of my mom, dad, aunt and multiple other folks in my extended family) Now that my nephews are older we have a blast together playing Fortnite etc. I still feel bad not being great with the smaller kids though and there are some often ideas on this list! Read the rest of the post »
Top 5 Benefits of Installing a Well Water System at Home
I’ve only lived in town once in my life so I’m very acquainted with well water systems as its pretty much all I’ve very had. I never considered the benefits though of OPTING for well water as opposed to hooking right up to city water if given the chance. Well systems come with their issues and interesting problems but we put a new pump in ours a few years back and expect to last us for many years. Read the rest of the post »
Discover the Future of Sofa Beds: An Award-Winning Innovation
Sofa beds have certainly come a VERY long way since I was a kid. I remember helping move my Grandma’s old sofa out of her house needing several people to help because it was just so darned HEAVY. Because it had a whole bed in it! And the old cliche of the yucky college dorm “futon” is certainly a thing of the passed as well. We purchased one for my new office and I’ve taken many a nap on my new sofa bed / futon and I’m still amazed at how comfortable it was, how light it was and how affordable it was! Read the rest of the post »
What Can I Do If I Lose or Break My Glasses While Traveling: Tips and Solutions
Losing or breaking your glasses while traveling can be a real headache. You might squint to read signs or struggle to enjoy the sights. One quick solution is to get express delivery for glasses, using services that can deliver replacement eyewear swiftly. This option can save you a lot of hassle and help you get back to enjoying your trip. Read the rest of the post »
Choosing a Bunk Bed That Complements The Room’s Design
I don’t know about anyone else but I always thought having a bunk bed would be awesome when I was a kid. I think it was more the idea of having a little “loft” space to feel safe and cozy in. Maybe that’s why kids are all so enamored with tree houses? I have to believe bunk beds have improved over the years as my adult experiences with them have been really not so great lol. I always thought our guest bedroom might make a nice opportunity though to build a loft bed so we could have the floor space open. Read the rest of the post »
Eden Sidewalk Contractors | NYC’s Local Concrete Experts
Especially way out in the sticks where we live concrete is an invaluable resource. A few years back Lodi decided to go all out on a HUGE apron for the front of our garage. It was an enormous amount of work, however, we appreciate year after year after year. We so hope some day they will tar the road out front of our home and we would then do the same with out driveway! Read the rest of the post »
What Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Know
Your home will likely be the largest purchase you will ever make in your life. So, s a first time home buyer, it is really reasonable to be at least a little bit terrified! It is a HUGE change to your life and a huge financial burden as well. On the other hand though it is also a truly awesome thing to buy your first home. Doing all the research and hiring a licensed home inspector can go a long way for peace of mind. Read the rest of the post »
How to Decorate a Luxurious Outdoor Backyard
Our outdoor space just keeps evolving to become slowly even more luxurious in our back and front yards. I’m very frugal so around here I am content for things to take time as we come up with the funding. In our summer months we pretty much grill every time we can. Our lower firepit includes a small cast iron grill that we use all the time for hot dogs and even steaks. Read the rest of the post »
8 Do-It-Yourself Plumbing Tools Every Homeowner Should Own
Having run all the plumbing by myself for this entire home I have me a bin of just plumbing tools. Two kitchens, two laundry rooms and three bathrooms over three floors made it worth it for me to purchase all of the tools I needed even knowing I may never use them again. But, as you may have guessed, I have used them again! I’ve also been able to help out friends and family by loaning out my tools. Most especially my pex pipe plumbing tools! Read the rest of the post »
4 Ways to Upgrade Your Garage
My favorite “upgrade” to our garage is your typical garage upgrade but it was totally an upgrade for ME. I put up a wood storage rack the covers one whole wall and have never been more smitten. It saves us SO MUCH room and now when I need a board I not only can just go grab it but, at just a glance, I know exactly what I have on hand. The other big upgrade that we did that I love are some incredible LED light bulbs that provide absolutely amazing light. And they screw in to a regular light bulb socket! Read the rest of the post »
12 Home Maintenance Tasks You Need to Do (& When)
Maintenance for us right now is all about preparing for winter. Screen doors are coming down. Hummingbird feeders are being put away. All of our outdoor furniture need to go into storage to be safe from winter weather. We just got our pellet stove cleaned out (VERY important) and all of our pellets ordered and stored. As far as we can be, we are ready for winter! Our Side by side already has the plow attached to the front of it, no more fun drives around now its time for it to be ready to work! Read the rest of the post »
How to Make Your Home More Secure
A home that’s secure is pretty much the number one most mandatory thing we need to be happy in it. My aunt had a break in several years ago and never got over it and I don’t blame her! Coming home to find what you thought was your safe place has been broken into is just terrifying. She has since installed an electric security system that seems to work really amazing. She gave out codes to it to everyone she wants to have access to her house just like she had once given us keys. Read the rest of the post »
How to Avoid Those Boring Moments on Your Next Trip
It sounds kind of ridiculous but I think most of us would admit that a lot of any trip is just anxiety. The last real trip I took was for a few days and I can’t say it ever made me want to leave the house again. It cost me THOUSANDS and all of my PTO. When I would have been thrilled to stay home and did what I did for most of that experience anyway which was READ. When I was a kid we headed out in our SUV every winter generally to go to Florida. I was so young for most of those trips the best part was the bag my mom packed for me. She got both me and my brother one. Every day of those endless days of the car we would get to reach in to find another game or book! Read the rest of the post »
From Grimy to Gleaming: Exterior Cleaning Tips for Homeowners
Exterior Cleaning Tips. My neighbor built a new house a few years back and chose white siding… on a dirt road. No one drives by that place without remarking on what an awful choice that was lol. Our siding is gray and doesn’t hold the dirt at all which I will call fortunate as my choice turned out to be a good one. I also chose vertical vinyl siding that everyone questioned me on but there’s never been a moment I didn’t appreciate it. Firstly, it looks like steel and not just vinyl, which I love. Seconding, because its vertical everything just slides right down off of it, there are no places for dust to settle! Read the rest of the post »
Home Theater DIY: My Tips and Tricks
A home theater kind of sounds fabulous but, I admit, if you get a decent living room setup nowadays you’re almost there without all the hoop la. But that’s what is truly awesome though. Nowadays it doesn’t take a ton to give you a full on movie experience. Ten years ago it would have been thousands but nowadays, a home theater is within almost all of our budget! Lodi and I will never be in the tax bracket of literally devoting an entire dark room to stacked, reclining seating and maybe even a popcorn machine. But a new TV with surround sound is almost the best thing! Read the rest of the post »
What to Know About Excavation Services Before Your Next Renovation
Excavation gosh I’m not sure I can think of a worse statement for any home owner. It most always means major expense. We had the vast majority of our yard excavated last year for a new septic and not long before that faced the vast cost of having the barn removed which was a major excavation in itself. I’ve heard friends joke that they missed renting as they watched their dollars land in the giant holes that were once their lovely yards. It is a reality of home ownership though: Sometimes you need someone to do some serious digging with some serious equipment. Read the rest of the post »
The Charm of Windmill Ceiling Fans in Modern Homes
Ceiling fans have certainly come a LONG way from when I was a kid. Unfortunately in the home where I was growing up there were ceiling fans EVERYWHERE. And my dad liked a draft… so my whole childhood I swear I lived in a windy house lol I grew to absolutely hate it. It has literally taken me years to even be willing to have a regular little fan on in our home! Read the rest of the post »
Bringing Creativity to Life with Modern Tools
The DIYer in me is just so thankful to be living in these modern times. New tools these days are available for anyone to try and practice at. My grandparents’ loved building furniture over the last couple of decades in their retired years and I just know my grandpa would have been blown away by the tools you can get nowadays. Read the rest of the post »
Make Fall Home Maintenance Simple
With summer winding down we are just trying to enjoy the last dog days while they last. On the other hand though neither of us have forgotten that there is always fall maintenance to do to get ready for winter. He’s tackling the yard one last time so when spring arrives next year he won’t have so much to do. I’m scheduling a cleaner for our pellet stove as well as getting pellets ordered. Read the rest of the post »
8 Stunning Ideas for Custom Garage Doors to Elevate Your Curb Appeal
Garage doors (like so many other things in the construction industry) have really changed a lot over the years. The options in colors, windows and molding now are just amazing. I love the idea of being able to fully customize our doors and have considered getting them painted many times. I also really appreciate the garage doors with windows as most garage’s could really use more natural light. Read the rest of the post »
6 Creative Ways to Maximize Space in Your Townhome
We can all use a bit of help and advice for getting our homes more storage and utilizing our spaces better. But townhome’s are known for being particularly challenging as they are often long and narrow. Using vertical space, finding closet organizers and being smart on where and how to using open (and closed) shelving are just a couple of the ways that can help us keep clutter down. Read the rest of the post »
Creative Uses for Metal Buildings in DIY Home Projects: Storage, Workshops, and More
Metal buildings are pretty much entirely taking over all of the new construction around where we live. They last forever, they’re versatile and they can be built much more quickly than older style constructions. We had fully planned on putting a metal roof on our home someday when the shingles need to be replaced. Unfortunately there is one draw back to a steel roof. It makes it very very difficult to get a cell phone signal! Read the rest of the post »
Creative Ideas for Repurposing Your Home’s Basement
I think there’s definitely been a movement toward making our basements comfortable and lovely living spaces. I think it is mostly due to advanced new building materials specifically for the challenges that a lot of basements face. Our basement is definitely an awesome plus for us though, I admit, we don’t use it often so we’re currently brain storming ways of repurposing it to serve us even better! Read the rest of the post »
When To DIY (And When Not To)
I don’t know how many times someone has asked me why I did something a certain why and my response was always, “I didn’t have any money!” lol I think budget is probably the number one reason people choose the DIY route. There is also my number reason that I can’t in good conscious hire someone to do something I am perfectly capable of doing myself. Even I have my limits though! Read the rest of the post »
Five Signs Your Flooring Needs Replacing
Flooring is definitely one of the biggest (and most permanent) decisions we will ever make as homeowners. Replacing flooring is never cheap if you want quality and long lasting durability. Around here we have wood flooring everywhere besides our basement which is finished concrete. Apparently we’re not big carpet people lol though our home is covered in rugs. But rugs are easy to replace and our flooring choice besides is really long lasting. Read the rest of the post »
Benefits of Home Electric Vehicle Chargers: Fuse Service Perspective
Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular as the years go by. My dad owns a Prius and you couldn’t have a conversation with him the first month without him mentioning how amazing it was to get over 90 miles to the gallon! And he didn’t have a vehicle that you could charge just a small engine with a giant block of batteries that the engine kept charged. Pretty amazing actually! Read the rest of the post »
How to Help Seniors Eat Better, Cooking Meals for them
Cooking has always been a favorite past time of mine though I only really cook a couple of times a week seeing as me and Lodi’s schedules are opposites. When I was living alone I also didn’t cook much as cooking for one is kind of a bummer. When I cook now its food that tastes just as good the next day and is easy to reheat. Meals for seniors would be very much the same if I had the opportunity. Read the rest of the post »
How to Conduct Regular DIY Maintenance of a Garage Door
I’m not going to lie to you guys, garage doors scare the crap out of me! Of all the DIY I’ve done around here it was our garage doors that I refused to go anywhere near. I’ve heard too many horror stories of people getting seriously hurt when they over tightened the springs and they snapped. Fortunately now though they are nowhere near as dangerous as they used to be and regular maintenance even I’m comfortable doing! Read the rest of the post »
Why Air Quality Should Be a Top Priority in Your Home
Air quality, especially when you live in a place where its so cold so much of the year you can’t even open a window, is a big deal! I think everyone here, on the first glimpse of spring, throws open the doors and just lets some fresh air into their homes. Its not just being cooped up either, it really is about air quality. Nowadays there are some amazing air filters / fans that can make an awesome difference in our lives and also really cut down on dusting too. Read the rest of the post »
Versatility and Efficiency of Boltless Racking Systems for Storage
Wow these are cool! Especially for renters that can’t add more holes to the walls. I love how their easy to move around as well and come with feet to save the floors. I put together a few shelves over the years that were stand alone and my gosh have we got a lot of use out of them! Another cool thing about going boltless is they’re also adjustable. Read the rest of the post »
Six Things To Do When Renovating Your Home This Year
Renovating your home can range anywhere from adding an addition, total gut redo of rooms in the house or, just doing some painting lol. It is never fun to have to live in a constriction project. I always tell everyone, “Eye on the prize!” We can make our own home lives so much better with a little renovating! Read the rest of the post »
4 Ways to Update Your Kitchen Including Granite Countertops
My brother found several slabs of granite for an incredible deal once and gifted me one many years ago. He let me pick it out and everything! Unfortunately what he had wasn’t quite right for my kitchen but I was still thrilled to have it and utilize. Many years later its still on a wood buffet out on our deck and we use it all summer long. Granite is amazingly hardy and it remains looking absolutely beautiful. Read the rest of the post »
How to Prepare Your Home for Pets
Pets can bring such goodness to a home but they still remain and lot of work and, depending on the pet, a lot of cost and reasonability. We’re fortunate to have a doggie door that both of our dogs love so that’s taken a lot of burden off of us when it comes to the worry of owning dogs. Cats are easier keepers, generally, but there is always the cat box that needs to be dealt with often. Read the rest of the post »
Experience Gifts for Homebodies: Unique Life Enhancing Ideas
I feel like as a society we’re becoming more frugal and less material which I think is fantastic. Everyone always gave me a hard time because I never had anything “fun” on my wish list. I guess no one really wants to buy someone sand paper lol but I personally would MUCH rather buy something for someone that they not only want, but can ACTUALLY use! Even better gifts of experience is becoming a very popular “trend” that I hope sticks around for good! My family long ago decided to skip gifts entirely for the adults but we are all encouraged to bring a favorite unique food for everyone to try! Read the rest of the post »
The Great and the Bad of Using Wood in Your Home
I will forever be a fan of wood in all of its forms but I will admit it does come with more upkeep than other types of materials. Wood’s enduring beauty though shows through in the fact that nowadays you can even get tile that LOOKS like wood lol. I adore our hardwood floors (which are entirely throughout our house) but they are scratched and I’ve refinished them twice since I’ve lived here so that’s once about every five years so far. Do I still adore them though? Absolutely! Read the rest of the post »
Transform Your Bathroom with DIY Utensils and Storage Solutions
Our master bath was so fun to organize and figure out storage solutions for. I used mason jars with fun (yet inexpensive) lids for extra necessities. I made a DIY little rack for our tooth brushes etc. out of two thrift store plates and a candle holder. Above the tub I put in a lovely “almost” floating shelf that I think absolutely made the entire space. Organization does not need to be expensive! And, under our vanity, we have towel and TP storage in two big baskets that I got a great deal on at Target. Read the rest of the post »
From DIY Projects to Aquatic Life: Starting an Aquarium
I had a 20 gallon aquarium for many years growing up and into my 20s. I loved it and had these gorgeous giant angel fish but keeping fish is a lot more work then you would think! I still really enjoyed it though probably won’t be getting fish again. If I did it again I would try for a “living” tank with real plants and an ecosystem to keep the water clean and healthy. Read the rest of the post »
Things To Consider When Renovating Your Home for a Disability
Homes have come a long way in terms of accessibility over the last couple of decades compared to when they were first built. Doorways are already larger and people are already going for less stairs and far more one story and wide open plans. Renovating an older home that would be more user friendly for someone with a disability can be a bit daunting but, still, a very doable task. Read the rest of the post »
Quick and Easy Rental Upgrades: Instant Home Improvement Tips
Personalizing our homes is really important for our mental well beings but living in a rental can make that really hard as nothing permanent can be done in most cases. However, I’ve seen some wonderful ideas from hanging fabric on the walls to “change” the color without actually changing the color. Battery operated sconces and lights are also a really quick and non permanent way to upgrade a space. Read the rest of the post »
Quick Ideas To Transform Every Room With New Flooring
The great thing about flooring, including options like the FA-H20 floor door for convenient and durable access to underfloor spaces, is it doesn’t have to break the bank to make an improved change in your home. Many older homes have lovely wood floors hiding underneath that you can refinish yourself. Sometimes going a less expensive route can still look wonderful too. I covered my front porch floor with pine 1x4s and stained them to match the hardwoods throughout the home. One day I may replace them with hardwood floors but, ya know what, they still look lovely years later! Read the rest of the post »
External Updates For Your Home Front
Working on updates for the front of your home isn’t just great for resale value – its also a wonderful update to come home to! After putting it off for AGES I replaced the lower wainscoting across the front of our home and also added a line of mulch too. It was so wonderful to see it every time I pulled in to the yard! Read the rest of the post »
Stunning Flowers for Graduation: DIY Decoration Ideas to Brighten Up Your Celebration
Graduation is a big event that should be celebrated in style. With the right arrangements, the scene can be set, and everyone will remember the event. Flowers add style and color to any event, which is why they are great for a graduation party. Read the rest of the post »
The Benefits Of Investing In Your Front Garden
Our front garden now consists of my Grandma’s perennial flower bed by our garage and her peonies I transplanted to our Western fence line. I look forward to the blooms all year and love that I get nearly a month of them usually as the number of different species of flowers take turns blooming! Read the rest of the post »
The Psychology Behind Selling Unwanted Items
Lodi and I were just talking to a friend of ours that downsized after a divorce and he was just stunned (like all of us I think) at the amount of crap they had accumulated over the years lol. I really think it is just a straight up human condition – if you give us the space, we will fill it up! Lodi and I have been selling a lot of stuff lately to help pay for our recent yard work that we had done. But, also, stuff is clutter for the mind and it feels so good to let things go! Read the rest of the post »
Expert Tips for Choosing a Plumber in League City, TX
Finding a good plumber anywhere is pretty much totally necessary if you’re going to own your own home. Even us, who ran ALL of our plumbing, have run into a few situations where we had to call in the professionals! Read the rest of the post »
Spa-Like Comfort: Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere with Towel Radiators
Creating a luxurious bathroom isn’t as difficult or expensive as it used to be! I’ve been planning on getting a little towel warmer too, just for the fun of it. Small additions can bring some much needed comfort and atmosphere. Our master is one of our favorite rooms in the house because of its overall spa like feeling from the tub to even the choice we made to have a little lamp in there to provide warm low light. Read the rest of the post »
Crafting Your Creative Sanctuary: Tips for Setting Up the Perfect Craft Room
As many people have found out combining households is not always an easy thing lol. I was already filling this old farmhouse up pretty completely when Lodi joined me here. But we made it work! We were able to utilize a back hall and closet and make him his very own space! It would work amazing for anyone as hobby room and craft room with peg board etc. And remains his little getaway. Read the rest of the post »
Tackling Home Improvement Projects Before Moving Abroad
Whether you’re moving abroad, down the street, or just planning to renovate the home you’re currently living in, this is a great list that can really help! As someone who has gone through plenty of renovations over the years I can attest it can be incredibly stressful – not to mention frustrating! Read the rest of the post »
Cute on a Shoestring Budget – Throw A Party for Your Daughter
These some fun and cute ideas for a girl party! We’ve had lots of parties out here over the years but the only birthday parties we’ve hosted were for people over 40 lol. Yep, we’re old. There are still some good budget ideas in here though for any kind of party! Read the rest of the post »
The Botanical Trend: How Plant-Focused Interiors Are Redefining Sustainability in Commercial Design
I love this new trend in bringing the outside in more and more in interior design. One of my favorite things I did in our master bedroom was hang plants in the south facing windows. Even on the coldest winter day I get to wake up to green and growing things. Not mention they’re very good for our air quality too! Read the rest of the post »
Maximizing Long-Term Savings through Quality HVAC Parts
When you take care of things they last and the longer they can take care of you. Spending a little extra on things like our furnaces, heating, air conditioning can have a major impact on not just our comfort but also our health. Simply taking the time to clean out and replaced yearly filters can make a big difference in the long run. Read the rest of the post »
Hang Out to Dry: A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Clothesline
I will never forget how my Grandma insisted on hanging her clothes out to dry years upon years AFTER getting an electric dryer. She would wash them, dry them and then still hang them outside on her clothes line. She insisted they just didn’t feel or smell right otherwise. Personally I can’t imagine going back to the days of having to hang clothes on the line but it is absolutely coming back as a great way to save money! And, goodness knows, the options when it comes to clothes lines have improved ALOT over the years. Read the rest of the post »
How To Tackle Pests On Your Property In 2024
Pests are a problem for many households and it’s something that you want to keep under control before it becomes a major issue. Pest infestations are not only a nuisance but they might cause major damage to your home both in your belongings and the foundations of the home. Tackling pests on your property takes time and effort. With that being said, here are some top tips that can help ensure pests are dealt with in the right way in 2024. Read the rest of the post »
Fighting Grime: Tips for Tackling Tough Stains with Surface Cleaners
Sometimes even the most natural cleaners can’t tackle all of the tough stains. I make almost all of our own cleaning products but even I’ll admit there are some jobs that vinegar cannot handle. Our toilets for example (because of our hard water) are very difficult to keep clean. I combat them with bleach Clorox tabs that I drop in the back of their tanks and I clean them at least weekly with the toughest toilet bowl cleaner on the market. Read the rest of the post »
Understanding the Holistic Benefits of Home Pest Control
Fortunately for us this far north in the United States we don’t have as many issues when it comes to pests like the southern states do. Termites are pretty rare and even carpenter ants don’t usually pose much of a problem. That doesn’t mean we don’t still have to deal with pest control from time to time. It usually mouse infestations etc. when they try to find a warm place when winter is coming. Read the rest of the post »
Garment Fabrics 101: Beginner-Friendly for Your Sewing Adventure
I’ve always dreamed of becoming a sewer one day. Both of my Grandmas were excellent seamstresses which was extremely common back when they were my age. My aunt and Mom were also incredible at sewing, tailoring whole dress suits for themselves not to mention skirts and blouses as well. I’ve only gotten so far now as upholstering furniture but, one day, I sure would like to try quilting! Read the rest of the post »
DIY vs. Professional Window Replacement: Making the Right Decision
When I started the renovation here in 2014 I knew I would be replacing all of the doors and windows in the phone. None of the windows were younger than 50 and the window on the third floor were original to this 1915 farmhouse. I kept the majority of the old windows though and used them for projects and things. Windows are such a huge place in energy loss in a home that many states even have incentives for home owners to replace them. Read the rest of the post »
Innovative Storage Solutions: Tips for Organizing in 2024
Good storage solutions can literally make or break a living space. When everything has a place and is in its place its really amazing how it brings peace of mind and creates a much better place to simply live. My current favorite storage solution I found last year was vertical storage for all of our lumber out in our garage. Talk about life changing! Read the rest of the post »
Troubles After House Renovation: Tips for Homeowners
This article reminded me of the utter messiness that is a renovation and how much I worked hard to plan my steps to do the least amount of cleaning (as I went) as possible. Sheetrock dust is probably the worst and I wish I knew now what I didn’t know then. Mopping the walls to smooth out sheetrock mud is just as effective and leaves a lot less mess behind! Read the rest of the post »
Top 4 Ways to Grow Vegetables in Your Indoor Garden with Gardyn
I love to garden. The difference in store bought and home ground fruits and vegetables never ceases to amaze me. Fresh green beans and peas grown at home taste so fabulous and different than store bought its almost like they’re entirely different vegetables. I’ve never had the greenest of thumbs but coming home from a long day to settle in to taking care of my garden is such a joy all summer long. Read the rest of the post »
5 Things to Know Before Buying Your First Farmhouse
There has definitely been a social movement over the last few decades of people getting out of the city and purchasing more rural homes. Folks that may have never considered a farm before are now looking into little homesteads to start gardening and even raising chickens and livestock. I love our old farmhouse but it does come with its challenges! As a cash home buyer you can get yourself started off right with skipping the mortgage payments entirely. Read the rest of the post »
How To Make A Family Vacation Worthwhile
Lodi and I are actually planning a much needed vacation a couple of months from now. We will be with family and realized pretty quickly the ideal vacation for us as a family was actually a cruise. The rates are so reasonable and its a much more controlled environment. Very much so looking forward it! Read the rest of the post »
Long-Distance Moving Companies and Stress-Free Relocations
Moving companies may be expensive but I think they are legitimately worth it in the long run. I once saw a facebook post that made me laugh out loud. It said, “Once you’re in your forties its time to hire movers. Your friends are too old to slip a disc for free beer and pizza.” Pretty funny and very accurate! Read the rest of the post »
Smart Lighting’s Impact
Smart lighting has come a VERY long way in just the last few years. When I was literally putting the first lightbulbs in Grandma’s house the spiral florescent bulbs were all teh rage. Now we come to find out that they may last a really long time but they’re actually rather dangerous. And LEDs beat them on every level when it comes to longevity and safety. Not to mention just how we’re come with solar lights now too! Read the rest of the post »
Termites: The Silent Destroyers
Fortunately for us folks that live this far north termites are actually not a huge problem for us. I have friends in Florida who had no choice but to spray their house yearly for the little pests. Up here we do have carpenter ants though and I ran into a whole nest of them when I was renovating the house. There’s nothing like having a whole pile of gigantic ants fall on your head when you’re tearing down ceiling tiles! Read the rest of the post »
Answering Most Popular Questions about Door Numbers
I’ve become kind of obsessed with a show I found on HGTV called Caribbean Life where people look for homes on the islands. Roatan Honduras is officially my bucket list island now. Many people buying look for rental properties whether in the form of big bed and breakfasts or just a secondary living space to rent out. Several of them I saw used some pretty fun door numbers which is immediately what I thought of when I read this post! Read the rest of the post »
4 Reasons to Add Retaining Walls to Your Yard
Adding any kind of retaining walls to a yard is usual not something we “opt” to do but something absolutely “have” to do. But that doesn’t mean it can’t look absolutely lovely and really add to the yard beautifully not just responsibly. The closet thing we have here is a retaining wall I put up around an L shaped garden by our home. Unfortunately I built it out of wood and its looking worse and worse year after year. Lodi did a lovely thing covering it with steel though so it will last longer for us! Read the rest of the post »
Print on Demand and Plant Lovers: Botanical-inspired Merchandise
Most of you know I’m a major plant lover with many in the house, a full garden in the summer and numerous blooming perennials outside that I just love. I’ll be the first to admit though plants are a lot of work and being to instead, capture them in our homes somehow without the responsibility is a really cool thing that we have in today’s world. Read the rest of the post »
Unwrapping Christmas Joy Small Gifts that Spark Delight
After a little (not much) debate this year I think our family has pretty much finally decided to skip just about all gifts when it comes to the adults. Small and thoughtful gifts are what I’ll be focusing on. Thinking one little care package for each adult and done. I am very much looking forward to it! Read the rest of the post »
Want To Add A Natural Touch To Your House? Read These Tips!
More organic and natural design has definitely become more and more popular over the last couple of decades. Living plants and sparse window coverings have brought more natural light into our home that we just love too. I think the old style big heavy drapes and curtains are definitely on their way out for good. And there are some amazing options out there that let in tons of light but still don’t let anyone SEE into your home so you don’t have to sacrifice privacy for some sunshine. Read the rest of the post »
How to Choose the Best Materials for Your Patio Furniture
Choosing patio furniture is an expensive shopping trip almost regardless of material. Material choices also differ widely when it comes to what you WANT out of it. Is it about the furniture lasting or is it about comfort? We found out here (pretty obviously) that putting up our outdoor furniture for the winter months was a guarantee it would last A LOT longer. Read the rest of the post »
Get Creative with DIY Halloween Decorations
Unfortunately for us Halloween was spent miserable on the couch together this year. Lodi and I both got hit by Covid and we had been pretty excited to do some costume contest hopping too! We were both SO sick the night just came and went with us timing our doses of Sudafed so we didn’t over dose lol. Hopefully next Halloween will be a better one! Read the rest of the post »
Embracing the Cold Season: Top Tips Winterize Your Home in 2023
Winter is a really big deal where we live and I don’t think its ever too far from our minds even in the middle of August. Last year we had over 7 straight months with snow on the ground… It was rough and not normal. But snow on the ground for 5 months is likely and we can see some very dangerous low temperatures too. Because of that all of our heating bills can really go through the roof but there is a lot we can do to help! Read the rest of the post »
3 Ways to Change Your Whole House Exterior Look
A home’s exterior serves many functions. We still have our soffits and eves to do here but initially when I started the renovation I knew I had to change up what was going on out there. Our house’s exterior was a combination of wood and a stucco and it was all VERY old and needed to either be covered or replaced. I opted for vinyl siding but in a unique design so it gives the impression of being board and baton that I really like.
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Bedside Tables: A Buying Guide For Any Bedroom
I love our bedside tables now that I’ve added in a power strip for both of us. I can’t even believe how much more convenient it is to have two outlets and two USB plugin ports right there on top! A lot of new tables are being built that way too (I’ve noticed) they’re also starting to add in ports to the table lamp bases. Goodness knows most of us do a lot of out charging right besides our beds! Read the rest of the post »
Tips for Updating Light Fixtures in an Older Home
Just replacing the light fixtures in a home can massively improve a space both inexpensively and easily. Even if changing out the entire fixture seems daunting there are also lots of DIY tutorials out there on how to update current fixtures. Rustoleum has a whole line of paint to transform the old tacky “gold” light fixtures of the past to everything from chrome or hammered bronze. Checking out a local salvage center can score new glass shades for just about any type of chandelier too! Read the rest of the post »
Professional Insights into Balcony Waterproofing
Balcony (or deck) waterproofing can tend to be a losing battle depending on your climate. Our deck is going on eight years old now and though the floor is still in decent shape you can really tell from the railings that its getting old. Minnesota weather is extremely hard on wood as we go from 100 plus degrees in the summer to down to minus 40 degrees in the winter. We’re going to wait as long as we can and then, when we absolutely HAVE to replace it we’re going to bite the bullet and spend the money on composite decking so we never have to worry about it again. Read the rest of the post »
5 Easy Ways To Look After Your Home
Look after your home… I remember years and years ago a friend of mine with thrilled to buy her own home and finally stop renting. Fast forward a couple of months and she was a little less thrilled lol. Her dishwasher quit, there was a roof leak in her garage and she had to replace her toilet. She was laughing about it but admitted, “I can’t call the landlord anymore, I am my own landlord!” Looking after a home really is a big undertaking though I will always maintain that it is absolutely worth it! Read the rest of the post »
DIY Magic: 9 Tips to Personalize Your Furniture
There is so much one can do to change up furniture to personalize them to your home and, also, modernize them. I’ve added stencils to benches, new upholstery and painted my share of just about everything here. The most labor intensive would be the pieces I decided to strip and sand back to their beautiful wood before staining. One of my favorite pieces was when I took a basic thrift store coffee table and added padding and fabric to make it tufted and comfy!
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Transforming Your Garden into a Cool Oasis for Summer
Aw with our leaves changing we’re not far now from seeing freezing temperatures at night and, though I am totally not ready for winter, I can still dream of our garden next summer! Our backyard is currently totally destroyed from all the digging that had to be done for our new septic system but I’ve decided to think instead of it as a blank slate. Now we can reseed and recreate the whole space! Read the rest of the post »
Easy DIY Renovations For Your Bathroom
Bathrooms can really make or break a home but they can also be pretty inexpensive to freshen up and make nice again. Paint plays a huge factor here as just about everything in a bathroom can be updated with a fresh coat of paint from tile to tubs etc. A new sink or just new faucets (that just about anyone can replace) can really freshen up an outdated space! Read the rest of the post »
The Self-Discovery of Growing Your Own Marijuana
As of August first of this year marijuana became legal in our state! Pretty crazy to think when I was growing up how it was treated like such a huge scary drug. I use Delta 8 occasionally to help me sleep but I have a couple of family members who use prescribed marijuana for pain and it improved their lives so much. I’ve looked into growing it to sell mostly out of curiosity as I (to be frank) always preferred alcohol lol. But now with the states changing to make it legal I might have to give it a try again! Read the rest of the post »
Top 6 Home Improvements That Add Significant Value
For the majority of us adding value to our homes can actually cost very little if we’re willing to put in the sweat equity. Paint is incredibly inexpensive and can produce amazing bang for your buck results. A good clean, organization, removing all unnecessary clutter is free and helps so much when it comes to staging a home to sell. Read the rest of the post »
How to Make Every Appliance in Your Home Last Longer
I saw a great chart at one point online that I need to go find again that broke down weekly, monthly and yearly maintenance on an entire home which, of course, included every possible appliance. One thing I never noticed growing up (I’m sure my mom took care of it) was how often a dishwasher actually needs to be cleaned. I clean the filter about once a week and give the entire inside a full wipe down. And then about once a month I run an empty load with a cup of bleach in it. Read the rest of the post »
How to Create Raised Beds for Your Garden
I am so excited for next year to rebuild our garden with brand new raised beds! This year I’m doing the “container gardening” thing which is working so far but already I am seeing how much LESS it will produce compared to the years we had our garden. That’s ok for one year though and its been fun to have less to maintain. Next year though I have lots of plans for our new garden! Read the rest of the post »
Minimalist Home Decor: A Sleek Look with Affordable Furniture
I’ve always considered myself a minimalist when it comes to home décor and furniture. Clutter drives me CRAZY! In fact I think I may have a bit of OCD lol as anything in our home that isn’t working for us bugs me until I find it a new home or fix it. I once joked that eventually there would be nothing in my living except a TV hanging on the wall because I was so tired of vacuuming our couch… I was only half joking! I think regardless of the style of our home minimalism is a book rule of thumb to follow for peace of mind and balance. Read the rest of the post »
Marble Floor Tile – Add luxury and beauty to your Home
Marble has always screamed elegance and fancy to me. I always dreamed of one day having a marble kitchen island top! Though I fear in our household it would be hard for us to upkeep I had a friend tell me were already living with hard to upkeep counters. She was right! Our butcher lock counters are durable and lovely however they stain very easily and we really must baby sit them a bit! Read the rest of the post »
7 Best Ways to Increase Home Value
Increasing the value of your home doesn’t actually have to be costly. Sweat equity in this case can go a LONG way actually. Just keeping the yard neat, picked up and trimmed can give an awesome first impression. A coat of paint can give a fresh new look to almost any space and the impression that a home was well taken care of which is huge for potential buyers. Read the rest of the post »
Make House Chores Easier With These 5 Useful Tips
Our every day chores Lodi and I tackle on a first come first serve basis: feed the animals, fill the bird feeders, wash the laundry / dishes and put away etc. But the weekly chores definitely get divvied up on what bothers us personally the most. Lodi vacuums and mops the whole house like once a week because he just can’t STAND dirty floors. I can’t handle clutter so I’m the one that’s getting everything in its place, put away and wiped down / dusted. The combination of the two means we have a minimalist house that gives us both peace. Chores are a lot easier when there aren’t a lot of them – keep on it every day and the task is easy, quick and small. Read the rest of the post »
6 Crucial Tips That Every Novice DIYer Couple Needs to Know
I never really had a partner here as a diy chick until I met Lodi and, let me tell you, it is a tremendous game changer. It also took a lot of getting used to! You don’t realize what kind of control freak you become until someone steps in to start helping and doing things around the house to. Lodi is such a tremendous worker that I’m going to have to start working out to make up for all the things that he’s doing that I no longer have too! Read the rest of the post »
9 Tips On How To Prep Your Backyard For Summer
OMG I am so excited to finally start seeing our backyard again! Literally one week again today we got over a FOOT of snow! But, its finally happening, the snow is melting and spring is literally on its way. I can’t wait to get out to our yard again and our new lower fire pit for grilled suppers and just plain old relaxing in the sun. Not to mention, I’m just a few weeks away from planting our garden which you guys know is one of my big life joys. Read the rest of the post »
Why You Should Start Your Own Garden
Oh how I’m looking forward to our vegetable garden. Currently I’m watching the “winter storm of the century” just beginning out my window with the promise of at least a foot of snow. UGH. Last summer I grew garden lettuce for the first time and (no joke) I ate lunch out of the garden at least two months strait! Admittedly I did get a little tired of lettuce lol but that did mean our little garden paid for itself many many times over! I can’t wait for dirt and lettuce and gardening again! Read the rest of the post »
Top 9 Sustainable DIY Projects for A Healthier Kitchen Space
There’s a reason we call the kitchen the heart of the home: it’s the place we feed our minds, bodies, and souls. his is also the place where we make decisions that directly impact our well-being and the environment. Every ingredient you choose, every container you store food in, and every material you use in this space affects both your personal health and the health of your environment. Read the rest of the post »
The most beautiful Dahlia Bulbs to grow in your garden
Aw Dahlias! I’ve always wanted to grow them here at Grandma’s house but admittedly I’ve always been quite intimated by non-perennial flowers. Maybe I’m just lazy lol but I never looked forward to the idea of having to dig up all of my flower bulbs every fall and replant them every spring. I figured I’d stick with my peonies and lilies. But dahlias are such a lovely romantic flower maybe I might have to consider purchasing some dahlia bulbs this spring! Read the rest of the post »
Quick Tricks To Make Your Windows Look Bigger
Especially in older homes windows are often a commodity and making them look bigger can also make a space feel and look bigger. Lighter color curtains, curtains that expand beyond the windows or curtains that even span from ceiling to floor can really make a huge difference in the light of a room. Also curtains can balance out a window if it happens to not be exactly centered in a room too, making a space make more sense and it also gives the look of a bigger windows as well. Read the rest of the post »
5 Ways To Increase Home Security
Home security when you live out in the sticks like we do is a bit different then I think most people think about it when they consider how to make sure their home is safe. Around here we need to safe guard our homes from wild animals such as bear and even coyotes and cougers. The best home defense in our case is actually a dog! And though our senior little service dog Annie isn’t exactly a threat to anyone her big bark has scared off plenty of creatures that didn’t belong here. Read the rest of the post »
Elevate Your Entrance Hall With the Perfect Front Door
Our front doors are literally the first impression we get of our homes and I feel like people have been having a lot more fun with color over the last years then they ever have before. I love our front door and front screen door unfortunately though what I love about them is the problem. They’re really old! The screen door is on its last days the beautiful front door let’s in a lot of draft all winter long. Unfortunately to replace them we will have to have them custom made to fit the house which will cost a lot so… Someday we will have a new front door! Read the rest of the post »
Create Breathtaking Exterior Aesthetics – Home Renovations
As a kid I really didn’t appreciate how much I could appreciate having a beautiful exterior and outdoor space in our homes. Perhaps because I live so far north and end up trapped inside for a good four months every winter, it means I really appreciate our outside space just that much more. Our upper deck gives us another 700 square feet of living area and our new lower deck even more than that! Read the rest of the post »
Brush Away That Overwhelming Feeling To Complete House Tasks
Overwhelming could almost be the dictionary word with the description on how to describe any kind of house renovation lol. Just getting regular house tasks and chores done with no additional work done on the house can feel almost impossible. I’ve found for me to keep from getting overwhelmed I end up making a lot of lists breaking down every project into small, manageable, pieces. It means I am often crossing things off the list and the entire project feels a lot more doable. Read the rest of the post »
Exploring Different Styles for Decorating a Bedroom
Our bedrooms can be both practical but still lovely, decorating our bedroom last year was so much fun! I got to bring us both into the room and add a lot more fun and color. I really set down what I thought other people would like and strove, instead, to give us a space that WE loved because, frankly, we’re the only people who use our bedroom! A big quilt I got for a steel on Amazon and some really wonderful sheets were just the start of the transformation. Read the rest of the post »
Beat the Heat While Growing Your Garden!
With the next looming snow storm before us (and lows in the negative digits!) it sure is lovely to think about our vegetable and flower gardens. This is the time of year I think everyone who lives with a long winter starts really dreaming of spring and green and growing things. One year we had such extreme heat all of us gardeners had to learn when NOT to water because if its too hot you can hurt you’re plants by steaming them lol! Read the rest of the post »
How to Create a More Relaxing Home Environment
Our homes should be the place where, even after a terrible day, we can relax, unwind and heal. Relaxing is pretty much number one in my opinion when I think of what my home should offer me. Its easy to let a home feel like stress though. Letting it become cluttered or dirty is so easy to do especially after working all day. Oftentimes I’ll come home from work and just give myself a minute. Ignore the dirty dishes, the empty bird feeders, the piling up laundry and just take a moment to breathe and recharge before tackling the household chores. Read the rest of the post »
7 Simple Tips for Trash Disposal
Living out in the sticks where we are we don’t have a whole lot of options when it comes to trash disposal. I remember a lot of people burned when I was a kid (including my family) but I’m not even sure if that’s legal now. Of course there is always the ability to “rent” trash cans with a local removal service but that’s pretty expensive. I simply drive it into town and drop it at our local dump a couple times a week. I would love to get into composting but we’ve never had enough leftover to really start that and those scraps that we do have the squirrels and bunnies just love them!
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Best Mower and Lawn Care Tool: A Guide for Your Yard
Wow I cant wait to sit outside on my deck and watch Lodi maintain our lawn this summer lol. It is no secret that after mowing a golf course for ten years I really LOATHE the idea of getting back on a mower. Fortunately Lodi loves it! He has done so much for our yard over the years but he couldn’t have done it without countless really amazing tools. Read the rest of the post »
4 DIY Energy Saving Projects To Start The New Year
With winter here, and bills going through the roof because of the incredible cold we see here in Minnesota, its always a time when we start thinking of ways to save more energy. There are more inexpensive things that we can do just to help with the cold. Even really good energy saving windows we can cover with plastic to give us a whole other extra wind break. We still use our electric heat even though our pellet stove does the bulk of our home heating. With that in mind though I always add an extra layer before turning it up! Read the rest of the post »
Useful Guide to Preventative Maintenance To Save You Thousands
I remember reading a forum once about the craziest things auto shops had ever seen. Apparently there are way more people out there than you would think that have no idea that the oil in their car needs to be changed from time to time… Crazy. Maintenance on our homes is the same way. Want something to last? You have to take care of it and one of the biggest things I’ve found that most people skip are filters. Almost every appliance we’ve got in our homes has them and they NEED to be cleaned periodically! Read the rest of the post »
9 Home Upgrades and Improvements That Pay Off
There are so many fun and incredible upgrades and improvements we can do to our homes and, oftentimes, for not a huge amount of money! Something we’re really looking forward to this winter / spring is replacing our countertops. We’re going to buy butcher block because its very inexpensive but, even better, it is exactly what we want in our home! Read the rest of the post »
Exterior Tour: Ways To Make Your Home Stand Out
As the old saying goes that a home is never finished I absolutely feel that way for sure about the exterior lol. We’ve come a long way though what was an unfinished looking garage is not only finally complete now but is sporting a fancy third stall as well. I have to contribute the majority of it all to Lodi coming into my life though as I admit to often being a bit intimidated by ladder work which so often seems to be the only way to work on the outside of our house! Read the rest of the post »
7 Things to Do When Planning Your Dream Home
Planning a dream home has got to be up there of the top ten most exciting things in our adult lives. After you’ve lived (and struggled with the flaws) of a few homes you start even unconsciously getting ideas right away. More closet space? Absolutely! Lights in all of the closets because there can never be enough light? For real! An almost stupid amount of extra outlets and not in the middle of rooms where most furniture goes? Heck right! It is amazing what even small details in our homes can improve our lives so much. Read the rest of the post »
Innovative Ways to Upgrade Your Home
We’ve come a very LONG way in a very short time when it comes to saving energy and upgrading our homes around that idea. Insulation alone has changed dramatically over the past twenty years and I never once regretted spending a large chunk of my budget on spray foam insulation for this entire house. New windows are about 1000% more efficient now than they were twenty years ago as well and don’t even compare to windows from fifty years ago. Read the rest of the post »
Elegear LED Lights! – Adding warmth to our main floor for Xmas
There’s been some changes here at Grandma’s house that you will definitely notice in the pictures! I’ve moved my office into our workshop thus freeing up our entryway entirely. There’s lots more to do and posts coming out all about my new office workshop and our new open plan entryway. But, first, what Lodi did with these incredible Elegear LED lights that were gifted to us! Check them out here on Amazon and make sure and use the 10% off discount code: DHSCZOTA Read the rest of the post »
Water cooler or water filter – which is the best way to go
Living this far outside of town for us means that we all have grown accustomed to living with a well meaning a lot of choose to put a main house water filter in. Sometimes its just a softening system but a lot of people do whole house filtration systems now. Some of them are designed to remove heavy metals, iron, calcium etc. I also know of a couple of people who weren’t able to get safe water to drink out of their wells and getting a water cooler turned into an awesome option for them! Read the rest of the post »
Improve The Aesthetic Of Your Garden Space
With winter approaching I am already missing our outdoor spaces and garden. It got dark at 5pm last night and me and Lodi just cuddled up on the couch together. In July we would have another six hours of daylight and would be hard pressed to go inside until 10:00pm on a nice night. It is what it is though when living this far north and, goodness knows, we have lots of indoor projects to keep us occupied this winter! Read the rest of the post »
How to Add Some Grandeur Feel to Your Bedroom
I think when people consider trying to create a graneur feel for their bedroom they automatically think its going to cost a lot. But I don’t think that needs to be the case at all! We just finished our own bedroom makeover and much of it was very inexpensive little tweaks. Things like hooks for our robes, a change up to our windows and new sheets cost very little but improved our bedroom so much! Read the rest of the post »
Promoting Your Own Mental Health
I feel its really common nowadays for us to take a day off of work to literally WORK on something else. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve taken a day off (and my coworkers too) just to get caught up on chores at home! Having this blog too means I pretty much use all of my vacation time and days off from my day job to work on this blog / projects on the house. Its almost impossible nowadays to do much more than work 40 hours a week, keep caught up on house chores, do anything else and manage to enjoy some free time too! Every now and again, simply for our own sanity, I think we all need to take a day off and give ourselves permission to do absolutely NOTHING. Read the rest of the post »
3 Reasons Your Home Needs Home Insurance
If you have a mortgage no bank will allow you to go without home insurance but, regardless, I can’t imagine forgoing it as disasters (both big and small) happen all the darn time. We got lucky this summer and only suffered a little bit of bent siding when we lost multiple trees over the course of the year. Read the rest of the post »
4 Tips For Redecorating Your Home On A Budget
I saw a fun tip from another blogger once when she was bored with her living room and wanted to do some redecorating. Instead of heading to the store first she headed to the rest of her house to go “shopping” at home! Moving furniture around, swapping lamps etc. can be a fun way to redecorate for free! Read the rest of the post »
What is giclee-printing and why you should give it a try
I had never head of giclee-printing before. Wow I wish we I had this option back in the day when I was working as a professional art photographer. Taking pictures of artwork was always a tricky business to get anything truly accurate to the print itself let alone getting it to print well. I’ll have to remember this option in the future though! Read the rest of the post »
Construction Draw Inspections and Why Are They Important?
I’ve never been in a situation that required draw inspections HOWEVER I’ve heard from several homeowners just how much they appreciated them though their contractors maybe didn’t necessarily quite as much. Inspections really ARE for the benefit and safety of the homeowner and having a bank insist on them would be ideal. Read the rest of the post »
6 Great Ideas That Make Life Easier at Home
Making life at home easier is pretty much one of my all time goals all of the time lol. Our house should work FOR us and make whatever we might be needing to get done that day easier no matter what! Just doing some purging, tackling closets and working on organization costs nothing but can go a long way in making our lives a lot saner! Read the rest of the post »
4 Home Renovation Ideas to Put the Spring Back in Your House’s Step
There are some wonderful ideas and resources out there for even the novice DIYer to give their whole home a face lift. All of the ideas generally start with paint as it is inexpensive, can make a MASSIVE difference, and just about anyone can get the hang of painting pretty quickly. Its also a petty easy thing to change if we happen to end up with a color in a room that doesn’t live up to our expectations! Read the rest of the post »
Top Tips for Building Equity in a Home
When it comes to equity in our homes and properties it actually benefits us greatly regardless on whether or not we’re planning on selling. For one thing it looks amazing on paper as the more what we own is worth (and the less we owe) the more appealing we are to lenders in the event that we may wish to borrow against said equity. Also it increases our credit scores as well! Read the rest of the post »
Simple Steps For Your Most Seamless House Move Yet
I think some people may not be entirely bothered by the stress of moving but I think the majority of us look back at it as something we NEVER want to do again if we can help it lol. Of course for most of us that is simply not going to be possible throughout our lifetimes. In fact most adults move over eleven times! I lived between two homes once but, all in, I’ve only ever actually moved twice to which I am very grateful for. This is our “forever” home as Lodi and I have no intention of going anywhere until well after retirement something we are both very relieved by. Read the rest of the post »
How to Get Your Home Ready for Sale
I find the criteria for getting a house ready for sale is actually my criteria for getting a house ready to live in lol. I can’t handle clutter in any way and Lodi is a clean freak for our place tends to be pretty clean and sparse – not always of course but we try hard! I’ve always found it to be such a tragedy that when folks get their houses ready for sale is when they finally get them really nice and do all the renovations, cleaning, decluttering etc. that they’ve been meaning to get to FOR THEMSELVES for years. Read the rest of the post »
4 Ways To Care For Your Things: Guide To Proper Maintenance
There is probably no better way to describe “frugal” than a person who knows how to take very very good care of what they already possess. Proper maintenance can give you a car that lasts ten years as opposed to a car that could break down within only a couple of years. Of course that’s true of just about everything! Even our relationships! If you take of things, they last! Read the rest of the post »
How to Prepare Your Home For a Natural Disaster
We live far enough north in the United states where a legitimate natural disaster is actually kind of rare. However, even here, it does happen and even this summer we saw 90 mile an hour straight line winds which is pretty serious! I never thought we would be in line for a wild fire either but just a few years ago we had pass by within just a couple of miles of our house. One thing I’ve always done is keep nothing on our computers or phones but have all of our pictures and important documents out on cloud servers instead. Besides that our passports, birth certificates etc. we keep in a safe so if some terrible did happen, we ‘re prepared! Read the rest of the post »
How to Design Your Backyard Into a Perfect Summer Hangout Spot
Getting the most of our outdoor space might be even more important to us here in north country because we’re stuck inside for six months out of year due to severe winter whether. Creating a great hangout spot in our backyard was (and will always be) a huge priority for us. Every year our backyard (and really our entire outdoor spaces) just keeps getting better and better. Well‑placed decorative yard signs can add both charm and function, whether you want to welcome guests, label garden zones, or announce outdoor events. We absolutely adore our new lower pea gravel deck and spend a ton of time out there! Read the rest of the post »
How To Make The Most of Your Windows
They’ve come a really long way with windows over the last hundred years. I still have a few of the original windows from this house stashed to use in future projects but few of them lasted uninstallation due to them being so brittle. Nowadays windows are very thick and much safer to handle. New windows are an awesome investment for a home that is always a sure bet. Read the rest of the post »
Comprehensive Guide to Reducing Stress & Anxiety As a Professional
Stress and anxiety were at an all time high over the last few years and its really understandable. It was a rough one to put it lightly lol. I think we all learned in our own ways on how better to take one day at a time and to almost totally turn off the news. Not allowing outside factors, things we cannot change or control, to stress us out to the put of a break down. I don’t know how many times I told my dad to stop watching the news because I was worried about his heart! Read the rest of the post »
6 Reasons to Consider Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Ah the dreaded popcorn ceilings. I once spent an ungodly amount of hours removing popcorn from all the ceilings in a home I used to own. Messy. Awful. Experience. It was worth it though in the end as it absolutely improved the look of the whole home. I’m sure it won’t surprise anyone whose dealt with them though that we don’t have a single ceiling in this home that’s sheet rock lol. We opted for beadboard ceiling throughout and I remain totally in love with them! Read the rest of the post »
5 Tips for Better Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is extremely important to our health. Many of us don’t even realize how much a home can cause allergies etc. Even cause us to sleep badly. We combat that by using either all natural cleaners or, almost exclusively just a combination of white vinegar and water for almost all of our cleaning needs. We also make our own dishwasher and laundry detergents which is huge for me as I have very sensitive skin. Plants also help keep the air in our home clean. Read the rest of the post »
Make your Bedroom Feel Extra Cozy and Warm with These Top Tips
A cozy space that makes a person want to burrow into it is absolutely what a bedroom should first offer us. Good bedding, sheets and big blankets are a great place to start but number one should be a good bed and pillow too! Outside noise and light blockers can be really important for some people to be able to get a good night’s sleep. We always have a fan running to help block out outside noise but there are many things a person can do to improve the cozy factor in a room! Read the rest of the post »
Get Inspired By Interior Styles from Around the World
I love how over the years social media and the internet have brought such gorgeous diversity and interior styles from around the globe right into our homes. Whenever I’m in a store that has hand painted Moroccan tiles I just HAVE to go and drool over them. Such color and talent – such beauty! I love the warmth of Italian interior styles as well – terracotta and sunlight is what it feels like to me and definitely influenced my buttery color choice in our living room! Read the rest of the post »
6 Challenges of Moving to a New State
Moving to a new home, let alone a new state, presents enormous challenges all on its own! I swore once I finally settled in here it would be my last move for many many years and Lodi said the same once we got him settled, finished the basement, and were able to fit all we owned cohesively together. Moving is just, plain an simple, a huge stressful headache that is often not something that can be done slowly but, somehow, always in a rush! Read the rest of the post »
Choosing A House That Aids Your Health
We don’t always necessarily think of our homes as being “healthy” for us but certainly it should be at the top of our priority list. I know living by a school would have me go postal but, on the other hand, if I had kids in said school that could be a lot of convenience thus making it a much healthier place for us to live. There are many things I would sacrifice to live for our health and that, obviously, includes convenience and location. For me its the perfect location but living out in the sticks is certainly not for everyone! Read the rest of the post »
9 Ways to a More Cost-Effective and Sustainable Life
Living a sustainable life has always been on my mind especially since I moved in here at Grandma’s house. Living in northern MN I never had any notion that I wouldn’t do all I could to support our local wildlife and nature. We live here in THEIR woods not the other way around in my opinion. Being a DIYer too really lends to a more sustainable lifestyle as we’re all about building, reusing, fixing and /or buying used whereas buying something new is always a last resort. Striving to be sustainable is alwso an amazing money saver in just about every way too – awesome perk! Read the rest of the post »
5 Ways to Prepare Your Landscape for Summer
We’re finally gearing up here for actual summer – nearly a month later with how crazy our weather has been! But this week its looking like we can finally get out in the yard and prepare our landscape for summer! Lodi already got our side by side and riding lawn mower in for all the maintenance they require for another year here of fun and yard maintenance. I got our magnetic screen doors installed and put away our electric waterer, replacing it with a bird bath with a solar fountain. There is a ton to do, as always, but we are so looking forward to it! Read the rest of the post »
How To Take Better Care Of Your Deck
Deck care and maintenance are a big part of making a big investment last as long as possible. Up here in northern MN we’re lucky to get ten years out of a deck even if its treated wood for outdoors. Once our own deck really starts to decay we’ll be replacing it with composite so we don’t have to worry about it near so much though that material is VERY expensive. In the meantime we do what we can to keep ours lasting as long as possible. We keep it swept and don’t use rugs or, if we do, we don’t leave them on the deck very long. Read the rest of the post »
Your Garden Deserves To Be The Best It Can Be
Summertime means for me that I can finally get back to my garden again! Every year I look forward to it and every year I understand more and more my Grandma who still kept a garden even when her health began to fade. The sanctuary that is our gardens is such an important healing place for me from spring until fall. I feel like I’m just a better person when I’m gardening! Read the rest of the post »
10 Tips To Remember When Buying Property
I’ve always wanted to buy a little more property. Not necessarily here attached to our current property but I always had an image of a wild little lake lot an hour or two north of here with little to no neighbors. Just a little spot I could mow down, maybe build a little outhouse on. And build a lean-to to put my tent and firewood under. Just an escape. I might have that little spot on my hopes for a LONG time considering the cost of property right now but I’ll always keep a look out! Read the rest of the post »
How to Beat Fatigue and Stay Energized All Day Long
I’ve read the joke on Facebook what must be a thousand times, “Now that I’m adult I am absolutely appalled by how many naps I passed up as a kid,” SO TRUE! My family has always been notoriously bad sleepers and not morning people at all but fatigue isn’t always physical. Sometimes we’re emotionally drained too. Day to day stress can cause enormous fatigue and eventually health problems as well. It is so important we eek out some time for ourselves in a place of peace so we can rest and heal every day. Read the rest of the post »
Home Renovation Projects You Can Do This Summer
Well after a full plate for us last summer with a garage addition, three concrete pours and an entire brand new lower pea gravel deck install, I am excited to say we have less projects this summer! To be fair though our plates do included GETTING MARRIED OMG and also a big reception out here later this summer so I think its safe to say our plates are quite full without including other huge summer projects! Read the rest of the post »
5 Tips to Reduce Allergens In Your Home
5 Tips to Reduce Allergens In Your Home. Though I know many people who suffer from seasonal allergies Lodi and I are both lucky to have never had much trouble. However, I do have major sensitive skin and will admit, since I switched long ago to homemade or all natural cleaners that just walking down the cleaning aisle at the grocery store will make my eyes water. I’ve had sensitive skin my whole life and it was what led me to making my own laundry soup and eventually just making my own everything because it saves so much money!
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4 Ways to Organize a Minimalist Space in Your Home
This spring for me has been ALL about organize and purge! Keeping a minimalist and yet also being able to organize it can be a challenge in and of itself honestly. Minimalizing means to keep less stuff however, we still all have and need quite a bit of said stuff. (And there is nothing wrong with keeping some things just because we love them.) I still think we can live a wonderfully minimalized lifetime and still keep things and stuff organized without adding any clutter!
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5 Bedroom Decoration Tips to Consider
5 Bedroom Decoration Tips to Consider. As far as decoration goes I think we primarily focus our time and energy on the more “public” spaces of our homes and tend to neglect those often not seen by others. Such as, our bedrooms. But neglecting our bedrooms I think its a huge mistake for our personal health and happiness. The current ongoing project here is our own master suite and I am just so thrilled we finally had to time to tackle it and make it our own safe haven this winter! Read the rest of the post »
How to Make your Home Look Better without Spending Much Money
Making a home look better and even overall just FEEL better doesn’t have to cost much or anything at all really! Sometimes we need to just pull all of the furniture out of a room, clean it top to bottom, and then change things up a bit by exchanging the furniture, pictures and art with others from around our homes. I read somewhere that they call us, “shopping at home” because we’re literally going around and grabbing things from other rooms. Just some rearranging can make a huge difference because, sometimes, we just need a little bit of a change! Read the rest of the post »
How to Minimize Your Air Conditioning Costs This Summer
Living this far north in the United states generally means we don’t have to worry TOO much about air conditioning. We’ve got a couple of “cool” things going for us at Grandma’s house. a DEEP very old basement that never gets above 60 degrees and massive tree cover that helps shade the house. Last year was a completely out of the ordinary summer where we didn’t just put in the big old window air conditioning unit in the dining room but also bought a smaller one for our master bedroom. Fingers crossed we don’t see insane heat like that again! Read the rest of the post »
9 Do’s And Don’ts Of Donating Items To Charity
We’ve got a couple of great places for donating in our small town. One of them is the local animal shelter that holds a HUGE garage sale twice a year of all of the donations from locals. Its an absolutely wonderful way to contribute especially when contributing cash isn’t an option. Another thing I always urge people is to contribute by signing up for smile.amazon.com – every purchase you make Amazon gives a donation to your selected charity. Read the rest of the post »
7 Tips To Fight Off Dark Rooms
Honestly I feel like our whole house is a north facing room lol Of course that’s not true or even possible but with our incredible amount of beautiful towering trees around us it does mean much of our house is dark. I adore our trees. I hate that we don’t get a lot of light in our home. One thing that has helped me besides paint, light etc. is also changing up my thinking about it too. Dark can mean cramped and cave-like but it can also mean snug and cozy! Read the rest of the post »
Helpful Hacks For Decluttering
Lodi and I have very complimentary OCD traits. He’s all about keeping things clean and neat and I’m all about decluttering, purging and making a place for everything and getting everything into its place. They are most definitely not the same lol Lodi is happy if the pens on the counter are clean and lined up – I’m furious that the pens are on the counter at all and not where we keep our pens. They do compliment each other very well though as neither one of us can stand disorganization and whereas he can’t stand the floors being dirty on the other hand I can’t stand the bathrooms being grimy. It ends up that I think we’re both living in a far neater home than we had ever expected as adults! Read the rest of the post »
How To Pick The Ideal Gifts For Your Friends
Picking good gifts for people I find is a lot more enjoyable than receiving gifts now that I’m a little older. One thing that’s helped me a lot is the Idea lists part of Amazon. There are really only two holidays for gift exchanges in my family which is birthdays and xmas so, throughout the year, I drop gift ideas on their lists on my Amazon account so I don’t forget! Its made me a far better gift giver! Read the rest of the post »
10 Backyard Renovation Tips that Will Make Your Jaw Drop
Aw the backyard, basically my favorite place in the world when the weather is nice. Our old barn is still guarding our home though her roof caved in a couple of years back. We still love her though and the view she provides of olden times. We did a lot to our backyard last year, putting in a new lower deck and new fire pit that I am absolutely DYING to get out and enjoy once we finally lose all of this snow! Read the rest of the post »
3 Simple Preparations To Make Before Renovating Your Home
Renovating a house is both terrifying, thrilling and, can be, SO MUCH WORK. I have found though there is almost no work more worth it or that I enjoy more. I always commented on what a shame I think it is when I hear folks fix up their homes and make them nice just to sell them! Shouldn’t we be making our homes nice for us? And just a little renovating can make a HUGE difference! Read the rest of the post »
3 Tips For Moving Quickly
I feel very very fortunate that the last time Lodi and I both moved will very likely be one of the last times we ever move in our lives. Moving is such an enormous job! When I mom moved house we rented a Uhaul even though she was only moving one mile down the road. It saved us countless trips and was completely worth the money. At the time I was in the middle of working on this house
and living with her so the majority of my stuff just went into the garage at the time. Read the rest of the post »
The Benefits of Using Ducted Air Conditioning in Your Home
Depending on tree cover and insulation where we live air conditioning is now always necessary. I lived here for years having only to suffer through a hand full of days in the summers when the rest of the time a fan and some windows open would do the trick. However, last year was our breaking point. Not only did we have to put our big old air conditioner in we also bought another, smaller one, for our second floor. My gosh would ducted air conditioning have been welcome last year – so hope we don’t see another blistering summer like that one again! Read the rest of the post »
How to Create a Charming Outdoor Seating Area
We have several little nooks and crannies that give us a wonderful outdoor seating area here at Grandma’s house. Though we have a ton of outdoor space, not just as decks, but throughout the farm, I try to create cozy places to sit for just a couple of people. Comfy chairs, maybe a place to put up our feet and a spot to set a drink are mandatory. As for me, its also really important that the seating area gets some sunshine at least part of the day too! Read the rest of the post »
Tips for Soundproofing Your Bedroom
Its interesting what we all get used to when it comes to sound while we sleep. Once I owned a house in town and for months the road noise and sound of the train woke me up at night. But, eventually, it got so I had trouble sleeping without it! Now, back out in the country, I can’t imagine trying to get back to sleeping with so much noise again. Soundproofing this home started with spray foam insulation and it provided a wonderfully quiet place to sleep upstairs for us. But there are a lot of other things that can be done for a quiet space! Read the rest of the post »
3 Easy Ways to Unclog Your Shower Drain
Shower drains are notorious for getting clogged up with hair and, having very long hair myself, I’ve dealt with it many times. They make little “hair catchers” just to help with this situation but oftentimes they only help so much and eventually the drain needs to be completely cleaned out. Its an icky job but there are other options besides the old coat hanger technique. Read the rest of the post »
5 Ideas for a Sustainable Approach to a DIY Home Makeover
Doing just about anything in a sustainable way these days has become easier and easier by the year. In fact, I think its just an awesome truth now that we’ve all adopted and are moving forward in a greener and more sustainable way of thinking. Reuse, refinish, upcycle and DIY instead of buying new is totally our way of life here and I love that we’re all starting to adopt that mind set. If, for no other reason, than to save a lot of money along the way! Read the rest of the post »
The Easiest Way to Repair Furniture and Add New Life to Your Home
It often doesn’t take very much time (or money) to repair a piece of furniture that often times would have otherwise been discarded. I’m a bit of a purest so I do tend to take the road less traveled and the much harder route when repairing furniture myself. Though, honestly, even the way I’ve gone in the past doing a full stripping, standing, staining and sealing to save an old piece, is still a very doable project for just about anyone. However, oftentimes, a coat of paint and a good sealer is all that’s required to bring new life to what otherwise would be a wore out piece! Read the rest of the post »
The Importance of Sleep: How Getting Enough Can Benefit Your Health
This is not the first nor will it be the last post I share about how important sleep is. I’ve been surrounded my entire life by people who were either unable to sleep, were terrible sleepers or simply didn’t have time to sleep and it has proven over and over again to be absolutely horrible for their health. I come by being terrible at sleep straight up genetically – everyone on my dad’s side of the family has trouble sleeping. Combine that with numerous sports injuries and to say I’m basically obsessed with finding a way to sleep well every night is an understatement! Read the rest of the post »
Seven Ways To Flood-Proof Your House
Generally where we live here in northern Minnesota dealing wit ha flood situation is the last possible problem we could have. HOWEVER, every great now and again, we see so much snow in the winter and such a freak warm up that all several feet of it melts at once. Leaving most of our basements with water in them no matter what we do! This is something I’m rather concerned about this year actually. We have at least four feet of snow on the ground and in no less than four days a high tempt of over forty degrees! Read the rest of the post »
Businesses You Can Start from Home
My mom has owned her own business my entire life so the idea of “doing it yourself” has certainly not been a foreign concept to me. But I think this really came to the for front for a lot of americans due to covid. People starting side hustles, figuring out how to work from own and starting their businesses I bet is up by a lot! My dream, ever since I started this blog, was for someday become a full time stay at home blogger. Every year I get closer to that mile stone and wow how exciting is that?! Read the rest of the post »
3 Tips to Create a Dedicated Hot Drink Brewing Station in Your Home
We are definite coffee drinkers in our family and a special station just for drinks (especially coffee) has always been on our wishlist. Currently we have a spot on our countertop but, I admit, I’ve always wanted to convert our old hutch (somehow) to a fabulous little brewing station! We have a kuerig and pot brewer and I often use the reusable keurig cups because k cups can be so bad for the environment! Read the rest of the post »
What You Need to Look for in a Coffee Machine
We have a little kuerig / pot coffee machine that we use DAILY. Anyone who knows me also knows that I run on coffee lol. I love it! And I even consider myself a “real” coffee drinker because I absolutely prefer it black. I cant stand sugar or cream in my coffee though I certainly wouldn’t turn my nose up to a lovely vanilla cappuccino. Lodi, the sweetheart that he is, gets me a cup ready to brew every morning before he heads to work so I have something wonderful to look forward to! Read the rest of the post »
Fixing Leaks Around The Home
Leaks are probably one of the biggest most damaging deals when it comes to being a homeowner. Hidden leaks behind vanities, behind walls etc. can literally cause thousands of dollars worth of damage before its even discovered. A couple of years ago (and maybe this year too) we had such an ice damn up on our roof from months of sever weather that, when it all melted at once, actually caused a leak in our workshop. Of course I initially panicked but, fortunately in that case, it was just the force of all that ice and snow and not something permanent – nor did it cause any permanent damage. Read the rest of the post »
Extravagant Home Upgrades That Make You Feel like a Millionaire
One wonderful thing about us Do-It-Yourself’s is that we can often afford far nicer upgrades to our homes because we can do the work ourselves. Right now over HALF (at least) of the cost of home improvement projects comes from labor and carpenter fees. A good example for us here at Grandma’s house is my favorite upgrade ever: Our double slipper bathtub. It makes me feel so special and spoiled every day I see it and every time we get to enjoy it. Read the rest of the post »
3 Areas to Place Your Desk Lamp for Optimal Lighting
Indirect lighting is really important for anyone who does a lot of work on a computer screen to help avoid eye fatigue etc. I love my little desk lamp that we keep by my computer, it helps gives my eyes a break and lets me turn the brightness down on my monitor. It makes a HUGE difference. Not just the lamp itself though but soft glow bulbs can help a lot as well. There’s a lot more options out there these days!
Avoiding Burnout When Working on a Big Project
Some projects just feel endless and sometimes it seems like no matter what you do something is going to go wrong making it extremely hard to stay motivated. Our garage addition this summer took over 7 months because of countless set backs and unforeseeable difficulties. We were fully into burnout. In fact, I would say, we were BEYOND burnout. My tip for staying motivated is pretty terrible actually – just keep working on it. We all have a tract record of getting things done and getting through tough times. I remind myself to put my head down, put my boots on and just proceed. Even if it is just one tiny little step at a time it is still progress and the project will eventually get done.
3 Home Repairs You Should Leave to a Professional
As you guys know we’re pretty hard core around here but there are some things (such as repairs) that I will always leave to the professionals. Sometimes its not because we can’t handle it sometimes it is, honestly, because we don’t WANT to lol. In the case of installing our new garage door I just held up my hands and opted right on out of that one. Those things can not only be dangerous but can also be VERY difficult to get right. Read the rest of the post »
Keep Your Furnace In Great Condition: Tips for Tune-Ups and Maintenance
When you live this far north and regularly see -40 degrees in the winter time there is almost nothing more important than making absolutely certain that your furnace is in good shape! My mom got into the habit when we were kids of keeping a dry erase board by the front door. On it was all the basic annual / yearly and / or monthly maintenance or chores that had to be completed. That included the furnace and propane tanks etc. Every single one of them included a date and check mark beside it. If it needs maintenance she erases the date until she gets it done. So impressive and so organized! Read the rest of the post »
4 Home Renovations to Take on Before Selling
I’ve always thought it was kind of sad that we tend to make our home’s the nicest and do the best renovations right before we sell it lol and not for ourselves when we’re living there! Regardless though there are a few things and renovations that we can do that certainly improves the value and marketability of our homes! Read the rest of the post »
A Buying Guide of portable LED work Light Power Bank in 2021
Wow how far we’ve come just in the last few years when it comes to lighting and LED work lights. I remember putting up terrible (though very expensive) work lights when renovating this house. They were extremely HOT and didn’t last long to the point where I just gave up and purchase a little lamp for my head and I literally did half the work in this house like that. Me with a flashlight on my head lol. LEDs have come so far now even I put a blog post all about the ones I purchased for our garage. Lodi even put one in the basement to do a project when he needed decent light. Read the rest of the post »
A Beginner’s Guide to Model Building
Wow this post took me WAY back to my childhood. You probably won’t be surprised that though I didn’t quite dip into full model building as a child I was still absolutely a builder! From Legos to Lincoln logs I was not your normal girl lol. This post intrigues me though and I wonder if I have the time to perhaps look into it! It certainly sounds and looks like a lot of fun 🙂 Read the rest of the post »
Common Roofing Problems
Roofing problems simply comes with the territory of being a homeowner. Even a small leak can cause ENORMOUS amount of damage which is why I had all of the singles replaced that needed it (by professional) when I first started work on Grandma’s house. Since then though, knowing someday all shingles will need to be replaced, Lodi and I will probably cover the entire roof with steel ourselves. Unfortunately there is one draw back to steel though. Everyone I know who has a steel roof really struggles with their cell phone signal when inside. That’s a bummer but I believe a maintenance free roof would be totally work it! Read the rest of the post »
Home Accessories You Should Never DIY for Luxury and Style
Home accessories are one of the best parts of decorating and designing rooms! I don’t totally agree with everything on this list but after trying to DIY more than one lampshade and, considering how inexpensive they are, I resoundingly agree with that one! Mirrors can be very expensive but very difficult to literally DIY ourselves. Blankets can be made of course but I am reminded of the insanely soft throw that Lodi purchased for me for Xmas and I just have no idea how it would even be possible to DIY such a wonderful accessory! Read the rest of the post »
12 Home Improvement Chores For 2022
Home chores don’t always have to feel like a chore! There is something about the new year that always gets me motivated and excited again for improvements on our property and in our home. As the year wanes everything does begin to feel a bit like a chore but, one thing about our long winters, by the time spring comes around I am totally excited and ready to go again! Read the rest of the post »
Buying Furniture vs Building Your Own: Things To Consider
Many of you know I’ve built quite a bit of our furniture here and there around Grandma’s house. Especially (mostly) outside as outdoor furniture is very expensive and I happened to have material left over from when I built our deck. I put in a full wrap around bench, a table, two end tables, a coffee table and two sun loungers all of which have served us well for years. Beyond that though the few pieces I have purchased for the home generally came from thrift stores etc. and I was able to fully refinish them (or modify them) to get what we wanted which is a great option if building your own furniture isn’t something you wish to tackle. Read the rest of the post »
Flooring Options to Boost Your Home Value
There is just an incredible amount of flooring options out there these days. I helped my boss pick out a linoleum for a little renovation they did at my day job. I was stunned at the quality and beauty of what we saw. Oftentimes its mistaken for real tile even though it was just sheet vinyl. Very impressive! I our home we have almost nothing but wood floors throughout and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Read the rest of the post »
5 Ways To Make Your Home More Personal
Bringing our own character and personal details into our homes can be so much fun! I’ve maintained consistently with Grandma’s house that its possible for our homes to reflect us while also still remaining true to the home we’re living in. In our case a 100 year old farmhouse is the palette we had to start with and its very important to me that somehow I find a way to make it our own but remain true to it. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a custom home for us with all of our character shining bright! Read the rest of the post »
4 Fresh Ways to Remodel and Recreate Your Bedroom
I’m so excited to to start working on our second floor now to recreate our own bedroom! There are many small things that can make a huge difference in a space. New bedding, a fresh coat of paint, maybe some new curtains and accessories. I love going “shopping” in our house and switching things around – makes for a free refresh of a space! I think our bedrooms, above all of the rooms in our homes. A good nights sleep is mandatory for our health and well being and that starts with a personal space that totally caters to each of us. Read the rest of the post »
Top Mold Growth Prevention Tips
Mold prevention is very important when it comes to maintaining a healthy home. We have little temperature gauges on every floor of our house that also includes a humidity level indicator. (These are the ones I picked up from Amazon.) They work great and their battery life literally lasts for years. Earlier this year our basement hit over 50% humidity so we immediately picked up a dehumidifier from Amazon. Not just to combat mold but damp environments are also really hard on furniture etc. Read the rest of the post »
Professionals Who Should Be Brought on When Planning a Party at Home
This article has me dreaming already of the parties we might have here at our place next summer! It took us dang near all of our decent weather to finally finish our new lower deck and fire pit. Just can’t wait to actually appreciate them and use them. A party might just be in order next spring or summer to celebrate all that we managed to accomplish this year! Read the rest of the post »
Fun Ways To Add Personality To Your Home
A beautiful well designed home is one thing but I really believe it can still be gorgeous but also reflect our personality and characters. Favorite books, paintings, pictures of our families can be a wonderful way to add design and character. I love the idea of “shopping” around our own homes for new and fun things to use as décor pieces! Frankly, I think all the things that we love and keepsakes we’ve held on to through the years should be out so we can enjoy them every day. Read the rest of the post »
How to create patterns to play with your bedroom furniture design
Making a cut out pattern to help with bedroom design. Wow this post really took me back to my childhood! My mom used to purchase drafting paper just so she could do exactly this! She would designate each square a measurement (such as a foot) and then draw out the rooms dimensions and then cut out the furniture so she could move it around the room. I remember watching her and thinking it was so cool and fun! Read the rest of the post »
5 Ideas to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space
Our new lower deck and fire pit area are already my favorite outdoor space that we have and we barely had the chance to enjoy it before the weather turned cold this year! But I look forward to it for many years to come along with out main deck which is pretty much where you’ll always find me when the weather is nice. Especially living in a place that has such long winters I think making sure we have spaces outside to expand our living area when the weather makes it possible is really important. Read the rest of the post »
Get a Modern Farmhouse Look in Your Home
I like to think of our home as having a modern farmhouse look. Personally I am very drawn to clean modern spaces – uncluttered and spacious. I think we’ve still managed to achieve that here without going overboard and, more importantly, while still remaining true to the heart of a 100 year old farmhouse. Beautiful but comfortable, sleek but in no way pretentious. I really is my very favorite look in interior design. Read the rest of the post »
Is Your Garden Ready For Winter?
Is Your Garden Ready For Winter? Well up here in northern MN its too late in the year to worry about getting our gardens ready for winter lol Winter is here! So, hopefully, we got all we needed done before the weather turned. I certainly had some chores to deal with but, mostly, I did get them all done. I got all our outdoor furniture put up, did a little garden cleaning and prepped our deck so it can be easily shoveled off. I was thinking I would try to get an overhang built off of the garage above the side door but that just may or may not happen until next year! Read the rest of the post »
How to Transform your Garden
Transform your garden. I love our outdoor areas we’ve created here at our home. We have a great deck and now we also have a new lower deck and fire pit that we put in this past summer. We didn’t get to use it much this year but I really look forward to it next year! One thing that added a ton to it was the café string lighting we added! A garden / back yard can literally add square footage to your home when the weather is nice. Read the rest of the post »
A Guide For Buying Your First Ever Home
Most of you guys probably don’t know that Grandma’s house was not technically my first home. Its complicated but my first home purchase was actually a fixer upper when I was 19. I was young and stupid lol and made the purchase with someone who turned out to not be all that honest or reliable. I got through it though (or ‘out of it’ might be a better way of putting it) before he completely destroyed my credit. It was a hard but good lesson for me and would be my absolute number one tip for first time home buyers. If you’re doing this with some one else… be absolutely sure of them. I would say never do it if their credit isn’t at least as good as yours etc. Read the rest of the post »
DIY Storage Solutions For Tiny Spaces
Though we have all of 2,000 square feet here at Grandma’s house Lodi and I are no strangers to finding storage in tiny spaces. Open floor plans are wonderful but where do you put anything?! One thing we are fortunate to have (and its still in good shape despite being untouched for decades) is an old well house that we plan on tackling soon for wall to wall shelving and storage. That will help us so much for giving us more storage in the rest of our home! Our own tiny bathroom is a good example where I needed to get very creative to give us any kind of storage! Read the rest of the post »
Motivate Yourself With These Top Tips
Figuring out how to motivate yourself can be a real challenge sometimes. I’ve been known to make such a mess that my OCD forces me to complete a project. Whatever works I guess lol I’ve always said though that no matter how long a project lasts and just feels like you can’t get motivated to tackle it to TAKE A BREAK for a little bit. And always remember to keep your eye on the prize which is usually a wonderful feel of accomplishment and generally something you will love for years! Read the rest of the post »
What Causes Stress When Moving Homes?
I’m not sure if I would call moving as stressful as the divorce I once went through but it absolutely is right up there was something I never want to have to do again. Moving to a new location generally includes also having to work full time on top of it which, between that and our daily chores and lives, will put an enormous strain on anyone. And isn’t it just also always feel like when you’re moving there’s this huge deadline hanging over your head and you just can’t move fast enough? Read the rest of the post »
First-Time Home Buyers: 6 Ways to Avoid Getting Ripped Off
First-time home buyers. Buying a house can be scary and daunting especially for the first time. For most of us our homes will be the largest purchase we make in our lifetimes. Still though it will often be a wonderful and gratifying moment for us giving us the feeling of finally “making it”. Purchasing a home requires decent credit and, often, a down payment proving we can truly be responsible adults. But that doesn’t change that it can also be a very scary moment! Read the rest of the post »
Why Gardening Is Good For Your Home And For You
I used to joke that gardening helped keep me out of trouble but, seriously, when its harvest time a couple of times a week and then pickling and preserving etc. Gardening can be a big time consuming job! That being said though I also believe it is one of the best of jobs. Its nourishing for every part of me just like this article says: Mind, body and soul! Having a garden might be a lot of work but the benefits are so many! Read the rest of the post »
Keen To Go Green
I was really pleasantly surprised by how much our lives improved when we decided to “go green” with several areas of our household. My choice to start making all of our household cleaners, laundry detergent and dishwasher detergent were, initially, because of my own allergies. But to find out how much money it saved us too was a double whammy! There are MANY easy ways to go more green in our homes than I think many of us realize! Read the rest of the post »
Three simple tips to vacuum more efficiently around the home
Two things I am just not good at: Vacuuming and mowing the lawn. Fortunately Lodi excels (and even seems to enjoy) both things! I don’t mind vacuuming honestly I’m just not as good at staying on top of our floors as he is. We have different forms of OCD honestly lol I can’t stand dust and clutter and Lodi can’t stand dirty floors so it really works out! We have two vacuum cleaners now a little hand help battery operated one that’s great for the couches and smaller jobs and Lodi got a big one to do all of the floors about once a week. Read the rest of the post »
5 Online Security Tips Your Family Should Know
Security is a huge importance at my day job in IT and server management. We’re not a huge company by any means but we are constantly storing the personal data of hundreds of individuals. With Covid and the push to move so much more of our work online and “non contact” it became an even larger situation than it had been back in 2019. Already with a job in internet security (not to mention this blog and the other websites I host) I was already changing every single password of mine AT LEAST once a month. When I told one of my co workers that she said I was crazy lol but, seriously, no one should have passwords older than a few weeks! Read the rest of the post »
How to Stay Connected to Your Crafting Community Online
Crafting Communities. Finding ways to be social changed a lot for many people over the last couple of years. Though I think many of us have started reaching out more now that things have “loosened” up a bit in the United states I actually can’t see going back to the normal we were used to before quarantine. Its funny but its totally true, many of us realized how often a meeting could have been an email and there’s no going back now! To be able to join a fun and great crafting community and even make life long friends from our living rooms is pretty awesome! Read the rest of the post »
How To Install A Sump Pump
Most of you know that I ran all of the plumbing for this home after I gutted it back in 2014. Though plumbing is pretty basic (water runs downhill we all know that lol) I also really hate it. I much preferred running the electrical over running all the drain, vent and water lines for this home. The sump pump in the basement was a HUGE stresser for me. I had never installed one before and I over thought myself into almost a panic about it. But, just like this article this sump pumps are not complicated and it was amazingly easy when I finally went to install ours! Read the rest of the post »
Who needs a house cleaner?
I think we all deserve a house cleaner lol! I dream of the day where, not only can we afford it, but I’m not so frugal that I would actually give us such a treat as getting our house cleaned once a month. But… currently… I just can’t do it! This article has a wonderful idea / notion of hiring a company to clean a friend / relatives house as a gift. What an amazing gift OMG especially for first time mom’s etc! Read the rest of the post »
5 Easy DIY Tips to Improve Your Home
There are so many easy and fun ways to improve our homes! Paint is a big one that is easy to “fix” if it doesn’t turn out like we hoped. We can replaced or even build our own furniture pretty inexpensively. If it wasn’t an heirloom here than we either built it or picked up up at a thrift store or yard sale! Another great tip to improve our homes really NOT permanently is accessorizing with fun and bold colors! Read the rest of the post »
Four Things To Be Aware Of When Buying A House
The truth is buying a house will be the largest purchase most of us will make in our entire lives. Most younger folks don’t realize that, just because they can afford the base mortgage payment that generally doesn’t include extra costs such as, if you escrow, it then includes your house insurance and your real estate taxes. And, nowadays, a “set” interest rate actually doesn’t exist. Right now over HALF of our mortgage payment doesn’t even go against the principle of the home, that just covers everything else. So there are a lot of things to remember, especially when buying your first house! Not to mention closing costs, it all adds up FAST. Read the rest of the post »
Getting Your Waterside Home Ready for Winter: 5 Top Tips
Getting a waterside home ready for the winter! Though we may live about as far from the ocean as it gets (quite literally in the center of the continent) we are also the land of 10,000 lakes. At least half of my friends and family live on the water! There is a lot of maintenance to a lake (or seaside) home though oftentimes not really considered until you get there. I think its totally worth it though and have always dreamed of one day having a little river cabin! Read the rest of the post »
The 5 Key Risks of DIY Heater Repair
I hate furnaces – you certainly will not find me suggesting that I could repair one! I know that sounds SO bizarre. Just about everyone I know has either an electric or gas furnace. And just about everyone I know has had that furnace “go out” and have to be relit on more than one occasion. And I’ve heard WAY too many horror stories of this happening in the dead of winter… when they were gone on vacation to return to a frozen home with busted pipes. With all that being said we don’t have a furnace lol we have a pellet stove and electric heaters. If the electricity goes out we don’t have heat but that would also be true of most furnaces as well. Even re lighting furnaces makes me nervous so I totally agree with the following article!
DIY Solutions To Protect Your Home From Water Damage
Water can be one of the fastest most damaging things to a home. Gutters are mandatory in many regions though with our deep eves we haven’t need to add many except for in a few specific places. We’re also fortunate to live on a bit of a hill and, with very sandy soil in our area, water damage is not something we had to be terribly worried about. HOWEVER, living in northern MN, we do need to worry about ice damns on our roof and years when we get a lot of snow the run off from that as well. Read the rest of the post »
How To Make Small Windows Look Bigger
Our house is not at all lacking windows in fact we’re almost lacking wall space because I added so many windows in an attempt to give this dark home as much light as possible. North country Minnesota can almost feel claustrophobic with the amount of pine trees most of us are nestled in. Its a wonderful problem to have and so much of why people love to live here. However, it can leave a home so shaded that you can miss the light. Adding many windows and making them look as large as possible can help a lot! Read the rest of the post »
DIY Mailboxes That Will Make Your Driveway Happy
Mailboxes can be SO much fun! I love all the DIYs I’ve seen on Pinterest over the years. My Grandma had a real thing for loons (our state bird) so, of course, she had herself a loon mailbox! Unfortunately with where we live so far out in the sticks we don’t have many options to be able to really make our mailbox too much fun as it is almost certainly going to be hit by the plow a few times every winter… I did have some fun saving my Grandparents’ old mailbox though and upcycling it into our garden this spring! Read the rest of the post »
Selecting A Living Room Set That Lasts
I couldn’t believe it a couple of years ago when, not only could I afford a new living room set, I could finally for the first time ever, pick a new one out just for myself! I chose Amazon because of the affordability factor and also the drop off factor. I certainly did not have the ability to haul a whole living room sofa in my Honda! It was a great day for me as an “adult” and single gal. Read the rest of the post »
Want To Add A Natural Touch To Your House? Read These Tips!
I love the idea of adding plants to create natural elements and feelings in a home but some of these tips take it even further. Who doesn’t love bay windows? My mom has me currently designing here dream house and one of her absolute MUST haves was a large, east facing, bay window. Inside the bay (that would be flooded with morning light) she’ll be putting a small table to enjoy the morning with her coffee. Read the rest of the post »
Natural Disasters, Save Your Home From The Devastationdisaster,
Fortunately for us up in here in northern MN we don’t have a ton of natural disasters to worry about. Though I will say we’ve had a tornado touch down twice in my life here and a wild fire came within just a couple of miles of home a few years back. I digress, every single year I see this meme one facebook when its about -40 degrees outside, “At least we don’t have a hurricanes!” Yeah, well, – 40 degrees is incredibly deadly too but we build for it because it is what it is and it is absolutely certain we’ll see it every winter! Read the rest of the post »
Roof Maintenance, Home Renovation When You Retire
Whether you’re retired or not the roof is literally the most important thing to maintain in our home. Or, at least in my opinion it is! Without a stable roof and enormous amount of damage can be done from top to bottom in a home. There are many alternatives too if 30 year shingles (and the maintenance) aren’t getting old. Steel has become really popular around here and, honestly, once our own shingles need replacement I think that’s the way we’re go too! Read the rest of the post »
Home Improvement Tips To Spice Up Your Kitchen
I think the kitchen remains one of my favorite rooms in our house. Years ago I built all of the cabinets custom to just our needs and they are a little different for sure, but they offer us an incredible amount of storage! The kitchen build was one of the rooms I was most nervous about in the house and, understandable, as the kitchen is without a doubt the most complication when in comes to renovation! There’s a lot of improvements that can be made though without starting from scratch. Many kitchen can benefit hugely simply from a new coat of paint! Read the rest of the post »
Plumbing Issues to Solve Before a Home Renovation
Aw the dreaded “plumbing issues” I at least knew what I was getting into with our 100 year old farm house. It was a complete gut – all the plumbing had to go. Knowing that helped a lot, of course, but many homeowners begin a renovation only to realize they bit off a lot more than they bargained for as opening up the walls reveals leaks and other hidden issues. Before starting any renovation, it’s a good idea to reach out for reliable plumbing services to inspect your system and prevent bigger problems later. Fortunately, though there is always the chance of flooding your house, most plumbing is not all that complicated. Read the rest of the post »
Taking The Stress Out Of Moving Home
Every time I’ve helped someone move I always dove into the kitchen first because I know (we all know) that moving the kitchen is the biggest stress and practically half the house! Just one cabinet at a time, one box at a time and the refrigerator last and I always bring our two biggest coolers because almost NO ONE has enough coolers to handle their entire refrigerator and cooler! The last person I helped move was in the winter and that was awful except, it was great for moving all of their frozen and refrigerator items! Read the rest of the post »
Moving Tips and Tricks Everyone Should Know
I was really fortunate to end up where I’m at at such a young age as I’ve only moved twice. I know many people in their 30s who have moved countless times and wow is moving a stressful, labor intensive, experience. The big move was when my Mom downsized and I was so fortunate to have built my garage at that point so I had a place for all of my own stuff as I was right in the middle of the renovation here at the time and staying with her until I could move in here. Though it was only down the road she made the decision to rent a U-Haul anyway and it was absolutely the best tip I could give anyone. Its worth it to be able to do two or three trips with one big truck instead of countless others in other vehicles. Read the rest of the post »
4 Ways to Modernize Your Home On A Budget
You don’t always think of modern when you hear of an old home even after its been remodeled. However, I really think you can modernize your spaces and still keep all of the old charm. I think I managed that pretty well in our entryway remodel with the bold colors and clean lines. Oftentimes I think decluttering can be an totally free way to add a modern feel to a classic space! Read the rest of the post »
Renovating an Old Home? What You Need to Know About Lead Poisoning
In any older home lead is a serious concern. When we gutted this home I knew we would have to go all of the way to get as much of the old finishes out of here as we could. We protected ourselves with thick gloves, fully covered our bodies and were completely masked when we did it but, still, lead poisoning is a very scary thing that needs to be taken seriously. Read the rest of the post »
Common DIY Home Repair Mistakes To Avoid
One tip I always give DIYers to help them avoid mistakes is to call the experts for some advice. I’ve never once not received great advice just by calling a local professional – they all seem happy to help and, if they can’t help or need to look at it, they’ll be honest about that too. Everything is certainly fixable but to avoid the mistakes in the first place is definitely the goal! Read the rest of the post »
Want to Decorate Your Garden? Use This DIY Wreath Guide
A wreath can really dress up just about anywhere and they can be as complex or as simple as we choose to make them. My favorites are the tulip wreaths we often see on DIY blogs this time of the year – spring is just tulip season and they are one of my favorite flowers. I made pine cone wreaths a few years ago with red bows for Xmas decorations and they still look great all these years later! I also made a wreath for my best friend out of some of her birthday decorations! Read the rest of the post »
5 Ways to Get Your Outdoor Spaces Ready For Summer
This was such a long spring it felt like Lodi and I were getting our outdoor spaces “ready” for summer for weeks! Finally though the weather turned and we were really able to enjoy our outdoor spaces this last weekend. Its time to get moving now for real. Time to plant the garden, ready the flower beds and chop wood for our fire pit. What a perfectly wonderful time of the year! Read the rest of the post »
Walls Feeling a Bit Empty? Here Are Some Great Ways To Decorate!
Large blank walls can be a bit intimidating to decorate that’s for sure! I love the new ideas of using old windows and canvas prints to cover large spans as well as also using unique paint techniques! Here we’ve used everything from old windows to my Grandma’s heirloom quilt to spruce up our living room’s big walls but there are so many other fun and interesting ways to decorate. Read the rest of the post »
Renovating a Home? Here Are 3 Reasons You Need Home Air Filters
Renovating a Home? Here Are 3 Reasons You Need Home Air Filters. Keeping yourself safe from airborne toxins is mandatory while working on DIY and construction projects ESPECIALLY when working with older furniture or in an old home. Living in a Covid-19 world right now where I’m masked the majority of my days it dawned on me why I was having no problem with the masks when so many people I knew just hated them. Its because I’m used to them! I’ve spent months (if not years at this point) of my life all masked up whether it was during the renovation or when I’ve been stripping old furniture etc. it is just SO important to protect ourselves! Read the rest of the post »
How to Make Your Aging Grandmothers Life More Manageable
How to make our aging grandmothers lives more manageable. I am just so impressed with the giant leaps technology has made to keep us safer and to make our lives more convenient. We’ve talked about getting our own selves a Roomba as well as a keypad for the front door. I’ll admit to having locked myself out several times and had to use the doggie door to get back into the house… This all would have helped so much with my own grandparents. Read the rest of the post »
Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make When Moving Into Your Project Property
Before even reading this article my first thought was that the number one mistake you can make with a project property is trying to live there and work on it at the same time. I was right! lol. I attempted to do that once a long time ago with the absolutely WRONG individual and I learned my lesson very expensively and the very hard way. With the right individuals I’m sure it would be a doable task however, living in a place you’re constantly working on makes everything just that much harder. Read the rest of the post »
10 Tips For Improving The Safety Of Your Home
The safety of our homes is paramount to feeling secure and happy in our lives. We work hard. We absolutely need to have a safe haven to retreat to at the end of every day. Making sure our foundation’s are secure so rodents don’t make a highway into our basements is a good place to start besides checking windows and screens annually. Door knobs and locks do get old over time and can use tightening or total replacing etc. Read the rest of the post »
The Practical Approach To Furnishing Your Rooms
I’ve found that furnishing a home comes in three different categories and they each add up to a huge undertaking. Either you don’t have enough furniture, you have too much or, what you do have, doesn’t work! With some creativity though making what you do have work in a DIY fashion is completely doable, affordable and can be really fun. If you don’t have enough furniture you can still apply that same DIY creativity to inexpensive thrift store and salvage yard furniture and get a huge bang for your buck that is PERFECT for you and what you want in your home. Read the rest of the post »
6 Ways You’ve Gone Wrong With Your Garden
I am guilty of doing all of these things wrong in my garden lol! To be fair I’ve only had three REAL vegetable gardens in my life and really only two of them counted (the first one was a disaster until I built myself raised beds and got some control over the situation.) There really are only so many garden “how-tos” you can read though until there is nothing but experience that can teach you how to do properly in your location. I am proud to say, though I am still making terrible mistakes, I am learning! Read the rest of the post »
To Grandma’s House we go! (Wednesday Link Party #237)
Welcome to the To Grandma’s House We Go Link Party #237. Lodi and I did our annual spring walkabout the property last night. It was just gorgeous outside, nearly 70 degrees! In the few hours we spent “enjoying” the heat we watched the cold front move in. It was kinda creepy! In the span of just a couple of hours the temperature dropped nearly 30 degrees and the wind picked up to the point where we were ready to get our butts inside. We joked about seeing a witch on a bicycle lol The heat wave is returning in just a couple days though. Now, on to the Party! Read the rest of the post »
Master Bath Design Trends & Ideas 2021
Master Bath Design Trends & Ideas 2021. I love that separate bath tubs are becoming more popular again. Giving myself our beautiful double slipper tub (and a room design big enough to accommodate it) made me feel fancy and spoiled! It was not terribly expensive though and I may not use it very often I still just adore it. It literally makes me happy just seeing it every day when I get up in the morning! Read the rest of the post »
Should You Restore Or Replace Old Features In Your Home?
Well when asked whether I would do everything in power to restore something old or replace it I think you guys already know my answer. Back in the day when I remodeled this home it was literally the hardest thing I had ever done in my life. But my dad pegged it when he told me I wasn’t remodeling or renovation… Not really. No – I was restoring. Looking back even if I could have hired the work here out I would not have. I simply would not have trusted anyone to keep all that I did and truly restore this home. Read the rest of the post »
10 Apps To Help You With Your Home Improvement Projects
Well this is a fun list – I didn’t even know about most of these! OMG how these apps could have helped me so much during the renovation. I love how much of technology nowadays is SO geared toward doing things ourselves and empowering us in our own homes. Its wonderful how much of the guess work has been taken out of making decisions. Instead of feeling like we’re going into a new room design on a wing and a prayer, nowadays, apps like these can give us a lot more confidence! Read the rest of the post »
3 Barn Conversion Tips and Ideas
Every once in awhile, when I let my head day dream to impossibilities, I imagine doing a barn conversion on our old barn (back when she was young an strong still) and have a bit of fun thinking of the old hay loft as a giant living space with those incredible wood floors, wore smooth by decades of hay and time. I am usually prompted to these day dreams by running into one of the incredible barn conversion out there on Pinterest. OMG have you seen this one with an entire loft wall converted to glass? Read the rest of the post »
How To Cope With The Stress Of Moving Houses
The stress of moving is something most of us have experienced in our lives and, many times, swore we would never do again lol It is a great time to purge though as there really is nothing like packing up and moving all of your belongings to remind you what you ACTUALLY need and want in your life. There is no doubt though, moving is very stressful with or without a moving company to help. I joked with a friend of mine that we should all be forced to move everything in our homes once a year (whether we’re actually moving or not) just to forced us to stop being pack rats! Read the rest of the post »
DIY Lawn Restoration 101: 5 Tips for Reseeding Your Outdoor Spaces
Lawn restoration: what a wonderful thing to be thinking about in January in northern MN! Though you guys know I’m not a huge fan of “lawns” these same steps will work in overseed your yard with anything you choose. I still dream of someday tipping over our entire backyard and planting dandelions, clover and creeping charlie to remove our grass, eliminate most of our mowing and give all of our visiting critters and insects some much needed nutrition throughout the spring a summer. Here’s to thoughts of spring and summer! Read the rest of the post »
Home Renovation on the Horizon? 7 Budget-Friendly DIY Projects
You guys already know that DIY projects are my absolute fav especially when it comes to furniture! I love taking an old beast that a lot of people would have tossed and transforming it into something magnificent. I think I enjoy it the most because it takes an amazingly small amount of time and resources to do it! Whether getting a home ready to sell or doing it for ourselves (which are both equally important in my opinion we shouldn’t make our homes beautiful just to sell but for ourselves too!) tackling the furniture around our home can be a simple way to really make our homes shine again! Read the rest of the post »
12 DIY Tricks To Effectively Secure Your Home
Our homes should absolutely be the safest and most secure places in our lives. Fortunately we don’t live in a high crime area, we don’t even live in a high people area lol We’re pretty well out there on a little dirt road but we still take caution when it comes to keeping doors locked etc. There is still the possibility of vandalism etc. Owning a dog makes me feel safer even though Annie would happily go home with anyone who offered her treats. She still barks and lets me know if something is going on and I really appreciate that – it helps me feel secure especially when Lodi isn’t home with me. Read the rest of the post »
How Do You Know You Are Buying The Right Home?
I think when it comes to buying the right home location is probably the biggest one that comes to my mind. A home can be changed, renovated, added on to, replaced etc. But no matter how much you love it the one thing that can never change is its location. Being close to family was always important to me and where I grew up in northern MN will really always be the place I hope to be. Read the rest of the post »
How to Create a Reclaimed Barn Wood Accent Wall: A DIY Tutorial
A wood accent wall is definitely becoming more and more popular nowadays. What’s really great is to get the look is now easier than ever! I’ve seen a lot of tutorials online using everything from real wood to vinyl flooring. In our own basement bathroom I used pallet wood and, though it didn’t come out perfect, we still like it a lot! And, because its in our basement, we’re going to keep it because of its uniqueness and character.
Steps To Help You Regain Control of Your Home’s Landscaping
Landscaping: what a wonderful thing to think about right now that its literally -17 degrees outside! I would LOVE to be weeding my garden right now or planting some flowers! But spring is not so terribly far away for us here and even in this current cold snap no one can deny that Minnesota was really given a wonderfully mild winter so far. Can’t wait to get to landscaping our yard this spring and that’s only a few weeks away! Read the rest of the post »
How To Make Your Home So Comfortable You Never Want To Leave
I think the one most important thing our homes should do for us is give us a comfortable place to relax and unwind. Warm blankets, comfy places to curl up and sit. Great sheets on our beds. Soothing essential oils that remind us we are home and can finally just chill out. It helps so much in this hectic world of ours. Maintaining a clean and tidy home I think is mandatory for this. No one wants to go home and go to “work” after we get off work. But a little picking up and cleaning every day does wonders.
Cost-Effective Ways To Spruce Up Your Home
Without a doubt the most cost-effective way to spruce up our places is with good old fashioned elbow grease. It doesn’t take much to improve the inside or the outside of a home. Clean it up. Cut the grass. Move some furniture around – get rid of lots of things. A little paint too can do absolute WONDERS to our spaces!
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Move Or Improve? That Is The Question!
Move Or Improve? There’s nothing like something seriously global (such as this current pandemic) to make people realize that life is short and there’s no time like the present to move ahead with something they’ve always wanted to do. I work in real estate and we have never seen houses sell so fast in the history of our company. When it comes to deciding to stay or upgrade I think it always comes down to location – or, at least, it should always come down to location. With enough work almost any home can work as long as the current home owner is just where they want to be. Currently though, this is a seller’s market and if selling your home has ever been a good idea – it is right now! Read the rest of the post »
Home Improvement Projects You Might Think Twice about DIYing
DIY projects are not always for the faint of heart, if I’m straight up not comfortable doing something, even if I SHOULD do it and SHOULD be capable of it, I have no problem calling in a pro. Sometimes calling a professional just to get a quote and a opinion can be all we need to be able to tackle it ourselves. They have a lot more experience then we do and can be really great about giving advice and guidance on projects depending on the situation! Read the rest of the post »
5 DIY Projects to Dress Up Your Home for the Holidays
Holidays are such a fun time to dress our homes! A couple of years ago I set out to make wreaths and ornaments out of pine cones and mason jar lids. It was a lot of fun and we’re still using those ornaments to this day! I’m a bit of a “grinch” actually but with Lodi in my life now I realized I’m looking for to the holidays more than ever before in my life. We don’t have little ones (unless our pupper counts and she totally does) so we’re looking forward to time off for truly adult holidays and I just can’t wait to see his face when opens the gifts I got him! Read the rest of the post »
The Power of Daylight, Energy Efficiency & Comfort to Your Living Room
Daylight is so important for our moods too especially in the winter months! I’ve been working on my mom’s new house plan for her for several years now. The absolute MUST HAVE for her, is East facing windows in her bedroom and in her kitchen and dining room. Her number one request is lots and lots of daylight at dawn flowing into her main rooms. She just loves it. I have countless memories of her curled up in a chair in the morning, having her coffee and basking in the sunshine. I can’t blame her one bit! Daylight is incredibly important for us in so many ways! Read the rest of the post »
5 Ways to Sell Your Old Home Fast
Older homes can be a hard sell to most buyers. Owning an older home myself I honestly don’t blame them but what might scare some people away could be selling points for the right buyer. Updating things such as paint and flooring you can do yourself and increase the value and salability of a new home really inexpensively. I think if you’re planning on selling to try and remember that most folks who are willing to buy an older room love the unique quirks that they come with. Don’t cover up that beautiful old character but, instead, enhance it. Read the rest of the post »
5 Ways to Brighten Up Your Walls
Especially now going into the winter months finding ways to brighten up our walls can really help us get through the dark days of the season! I love our gallery walls in the entryway and that, paired with our soaring crisp white trim and ceilings really makes the space feel airy and bright. Its a great thing to come home to especially now that I’m leaving the house in the dark and not getting home until its dark too! Can’t wait for the short days of winter to finally be over with and we start getting some sunlight back again.
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5 Steps To Take Before Applying For A Mortgage
A home mortgage will be the largest investment a person makes, on average, in their lifetime. There are many critical steps and people involved in order to have a successful closing and it only just starts with applying for a mortgage. Choosing whether to go with a large bank or a home town bank can be a huge decision and that’s just the beginning. I was fortunate to have a lot of people one my side to help me through the entire process when I purchased Grandma’s house! Read the rest of the post »
How to Create a Winter Outdoor Space That’s Fit for the Cold
A winter outdoor space for us here in northern Minnesota is a bit of pipe dream honestly. Once it hits -20 there is no amount of wood you can throw on a bon fire that will make it comfortable to stand outside lol. However, most people don’t have winters like we do! And even our coldest weather is usually only around for 2-3 months. For us a “winter” outdoor space would be consider more of a “three season porch” and that is exactly what I’ve been dreaming about for years! Read the rest of the post »
8 Simple Upgrades to Get You Ready for Cold Weather
I think as Minnesotans its never far from our minds that cold weather is on its way even when its 100 degrees and the middle of July. Certainly its always on my mind. Between making sure I get hay put up for the horses, the countless small things to do around here before winter and making sure we have enough pellets put away for us for the wood stove, I never quite forget that winter is coming. This year we added curtains, a wall, a new door and a new doggie door to combat cold weather! Read the rest of the post »
Signs That You Might Have Rodents in Your Home and What To Do
Living on an old farm and still keeping livestock near a 100 year old home means we still get rodents into the house from time to time. I feel like, at this point, its a damned near impossibility to eliminate the problem completely especially with how hard our winters are. Every single fall the mice get in somehow. A few years back we were in for a whopper of a winter and the rodent problem here in Minnesota brought cat adoption up 20%! As for us, we put out traps in the basement and that takes care of it lol. Read the rest of the post »
Things to Do Before Turning an Inherited House Into Your New Home
Working in real estate I often see inherited homes being put on the market by children (or grand kids) of folks who have often lived in their homes for decades. I was SO fortunate to be able to keep my Grandma’s house as its really not always a feasible thing for the remaining family member who sometimes even live in other states! Inherited homes do come with their own challenges though and often comes with the sometimes enormous task of deciding what to keep and sell etc. Read the rest of the post »
How To Furnish A Large Bedroom
We don’t have a large bedroom though it is plenty big for three dressers two end tables and a king size bed! I have, in the past though, had a very large bedroom for several years and no matter how many times I moved things around in that space it never felt cozy no matter what I did! I know a lot more now than I did then on how to create coziness in large rooms and most of my experiences are listed below in this great article. Looking back on it I think I may have built myself a canopy bed so I could have used the canopies for fabric “walls” to help break the space up… Read the rest of the post »
Updating Your Home this Winter
There’s a relief in getting to winter for me usually. Unlike most years I spent a lot of time working inside this summer. Usually though its wonderful to turn my attention from my property (and garage etc.) and turn my attention inward again. Winter is the perfect time for us northerner’s to tackle our inside work and think about all the updates we can make to our interior. Not to mention a little holiday coziness and decorating as well! Read the rest of the post »
Getting Your Home Ready To Sell
Getting a home ready to sell can be a huge undertaking and can add thousands of dollars worth of collateral to a place. Small projects of just getting the lawn mowed and the place weed wacked can make a huge difference in salability. Just a fresh coat of paint and a thorough cleaning that includes deep cleaning carpets etc. will give your home its best “ready to sell” look when it comes time to put it on the market. Read the rest of the post »
How To Strike The Balance Between Modern and Traditional Home
I’ve always been a huge fan of modern design which is probably not what you would expect from someone living in a 100 year old farmhouse. The more I’ve immersed myself in the designs that I love the more I’ve realized that if there was any aesthetic that was probably more “me” than anything else it would be Quaker interior design. Its OLD. Its SOLID WOOD. And it is always very minimal and simple. I love it. It makes my OCD of clean lines and absolutely NO clutter very happy! Our own home I believe captures that pretty well but still bringing in our personality and practicality.
Creating a Hobby Room in a Small Space
Some of us are lucky to have a dedicated space for our hobby room. I’m fortunate that my/our “hobby” can be accommodated by one of our bedrooms in the form of a workshop for all of our tools etc. But it did mean my giving up a dedicated office space. Though I spend a heck of a lot of time on my computer my computer “hobby” certainly didn’t need the space that all of our tools etc. take up! It did mean though I had to carve a small amount of room out of our entryway for a small office space. Read the rest of the post »
10 Ways To Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Curb appeal can be incredibly costly but it doesn’t always have to be. Whether you plan to sell your home or you want to spruce up your yard there are many both large and small projects you can do yourself. One of the easiest thing that can be done is mowing the lawn, planting some flowers and doing some weed eating! That alone can take a home from looking abandoned to brand new! Read the rest of the post »
5 DIY Ideas to Improve Your Home
There are so many great DIY ideas out there to improve your home from novice remodelers to veteran DIYers there really isn’t any end to what we can do ourselves and save a ton of money along the way. You guys know that literally my favorite thing is coming up with ways to DIY just about any project or situation in my home. I hate paying anyone if I can do it myself lol. Here are five great ideas for projects that can save you money and will also be a lot of fun to accomplish. Read the rest of the post »
From your house to your clothing: how to get things clean
Our grandma’s really did know how to get things clean! Cleaning with just a few basic ingredients they knew how to do it right and taught me the few ingredients I use to this day for making dishwasher soap, laundry detergent, hardwood floor cleaning and all purpose cleaner. I like keeping it simple around here and hate bringing commercial products with hundreds of ingredients that I know nothing about. (If deep cleaning your own home is a bit daunting check out this great resource for finding cleaners near you.) Read the rest of the post »
Why Go For A DIY Kitchen?
I think a DIY Kitchen is a great idea! Kitchens can put a huge blow in a homeowners budget and even doing a few of the parts yourself can save a ton of money! Cabinets can be ordered nowadays and even modified before installing. Specialty cabinet hardware can then be added. A DIY Kitchen can be entirely customized by you for a lot less cost. Read the rest of the post »
Simple Fall Decor Projects That Are Perfect For Autumn
I’m not huge on decorating but I would say if there was ever a time I could really get into it would definitely be fall decor! I just LOVE this time of the year where porches are covered with squash and pumpkins. Hot cocoa and apple cider become one of our favorite after work comforts and the gardens have been put to bed for the winter. Fall decor can be really simple to put together with the purchase of some pumpkins and just a little creativity! Read the rest of the post »
Tips to Prepare Your Concrete Subflooring for New Flooring Installation
Preparing concrete subflooring (especially an OLD concrete subfloor) is not always for the faint of heart. Depending on what was on it to begin with etc. It can require some serious manual labor. We’ve just tackled our basement floors and let me tell you: 100 year old concrete requires some serious time. It will all be worth it in the end though, new flooring can majorly improve a space for not a lot of money! Read the rest of the post »
From Bland To Beautiful: How To Create A Unique Bedroom
I love uniqueness in spaces and a unique bedroom is probably my favorite place to really go for it. What’s really great about our bedrooms is it really is our own PRIVATE space that no one ever has to see except for us. Which means we can tailor it to our total and unique personalities in every way! I’ve got lots of plans for our own bedroom even though it is already beautiful I’m totally ready to make it totally US in every way. Its going to be a unique bedroom with boho touches as well as farmhouse love and a little bit of glam too! Read the rest of the post »
Kitchens Guide – Complete Walk Through To Planning A Stunning Kitchen
I absolutely love kitchens. I have so many memories of me with my aunts, my mom and my grandma’s spending the majority of our time in kitchens. It was always the safest place for me when I was a kid. Even now, to this day, if its been a rough one I always go to my kitchen and start cooking. Making the house smell like Heaven, creating something both nourishing in mind body and soul, is simply one of my favorite ways to cope when things get hard. My own kitchen is absolutely DIY right down to building my own cabinets and counter tops. My sink I pulled out of a shed lol and I love every bit of it!
7 Green Interior Design Ideas For Your Home
I love that green homes are becoming not just popular now but simply becoming the main stay. I’ve noticed a slow but huge shift in just about every product out there from paints to even lumber to help cut our foot print on the earth down. The awesome shift to DIY and recycling of old pieces makes total sense to me, of course lol. I love how green a home Grandma’s house is, how much I was able to save and recycle is something I am very proud of. Read the rest of the post »
Gorgeous Home Goals: 5 Ways To Bring Your Kitchen Alive
Accessories, plants and even a simple touch lamp brought a lot of life and “home” to our kitchen. I think plants made the biggest difference, nothing like something living to really bring life to a space. I exchanged out a big, ugly shelf above my kitchen sink for two smaller and lighter shelves and it gave us some wonderful and ample space for decorations, storage and things that we love! Read the rest of the post »
5 Great Uses for Your Garden Waste
Garden waste around here all goes to our wonderful visiting critters plus our horses! However, I’ve been really debating on one year starting a compost heap. Lodi and I don’t eat a lot and, goodness knows, when I get behind in the garden even my horses get tired of giant cucumbers lol Read the rest of the post »
Building A Greener Home for the Environment and our Health
One thing I learned when making my home greener and more eco friendly was that it saved me a lot of money along the way too. Which was the biggest surprise honestly. I think we all get sticker shock when it comes to greener or organic options but we can save a fortune and go WAY more green by just making so many products ourselves! Read the rest of the post »
4 Ways To Sell Your Home Fast During Covid-19
Many of you know that my day job is in real estate in a small tourist town in northern Minnesota. I think we are unique in the fact that our business is beyond busy right now as everyone has decided to sell or buy a home here in these unprecedented times. Is it because times like these make us realize what’s really important? Why wait when all of this is going on proving that its time to live RIGHT NOW, while we still can. Regardless, these are some strange times to do anything and selling a home is no different! Read the rest of the post »
Simple budget-friendly tips to transform your backyard
There’s a lot you can do cheaply to really improve your backyard, patio, balcony or deck areas. Check out local listings for outdoor used furniture that might only need a coat of paint to look brand new. I found inexpensive stools online and Lodi and I made a whole bar area on our deck for only a couple hundred dollars! It remains our absolutely favorite date night spot for when we don’t feel like leaving the house. Read the rest of the post »
Choosing the Right Floor Material for Your Home
I was never a big fan of carpet and I always hated tile floors and linoleum was never my jam so it won’t surprise anyone to hear that literally the only flooring in our entire home is wood. The majority of it is original to the home which I either refinished or, those that were already painted, I re-painted. What’s funny though is, now that I’ve lived with hardwoods since 2015, I kinda get why a carpeted room isn’t so bad lol however, now that I discovered that vacuuming (due to this amazing cordless vacuum) is a much better alternative to sweeping I’m loving my floor material choice a lot more again! Read the rest of the post »
How to Upgrade the Quality and Finish of Your Home
How to upgrade and improve your home by yourself with minimal time and effort for future sales or just for a more beautiful home for you! Art, plants and a new paint color on the walls are probably the easiest and least expensive way to start. Beyond that though upgrades like new flooring and built ins can vastly improve your house either for resale or just for you! Read the rest of the post »
8 Ways To Turn Your Bedroom Into Something You’ll Fancy A Lot More
Of all the rooms in this old farmhouse of ours I would definitely say that our master is VERY fancy. It even makes me FEEL fancy. What’s lovely is just how much for very little we can do to improve our bedrooms. new bedding, a new color on the walls, a more temperate way of heating and cooling. Even just a simple fan to help move the air around and drown out static noise can go a very long way in making our bedrooms serve us better. Read the rest of the post »
Preparing Your Home For A Sale
Preparing your home for sale can be an enormous job. I’ve always given this advice first: If you plan on selling your home within the next year than START PACKING NOW. The best step up you can give yourself is to remove everything from your home that you don’t need. A storage unit can help a ton with this and it will also give you a leg up and donating etc. With your excess out of the way preparing your home for sale will be A LOT easier to do! Read the rest of the post »
Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Home
One thing I realized a long while back is how much even some of the simplest projects can upgrade our lives! I remember just adding a little basket to my kitchen sink area for soap and sponges and things and OMG it was so great them not balanced on the back of the sink anymore! It took so little time but it was such a huge upgrade for us at the time. Since then I gave up and put in full on open shelving above the sink but I’ll never forgot what an easy little project once did to upgrade my kitchen life. Read the rest of the post »
How to Maintain Your Septic System Correctly
I wouldn’t trade living out in the country for anything however it definitely has a couple of things to consider that will never be an issue with a town home. A well and a septic tank are the two biggest issues that come to mind. They both will require maintenance over the years and even (expensively) even need to be replaced. Our well isn’t huge and that translates to not a whole lot of water pressure BUMMER and we have two (two?!) septic tanks that came with the house and I used them both when I ran all the plumbing! Read the rest of the post »
Gifts For The Year Ahead – Preparing Your Friends For The New Normal
Our “new normal” is becoming just normal though the way it feels like a Walking Dead episode going into Walmart now I may never get used to it. Honestly I never liked Walmart (or shopping at all) anyway and now I just avoid it – its just so weird. But, on a general basis, I think we are all beginning to just accept how things are and are continuing to live our lives again. Gifts for friends and family is such a great idea – especially for people we can’t see because of what’s going on this world! Read the rest of the post »
10 Tips On Preparing To Move Home
The last time I moved I swore I would never do it again lol. What a TON of work! Isn’t it just so true that none of us have any idea how much crap we have until we have to move it? The last time we moved it was just down the street but we made what turned out to be an awesome decision and rented a large Uhaul truck anyway. What was going to be countless trips in trucks and cars turned into only TWO trips. Totally worth it when we moved!
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Restoration Tips: Handling Insurance Claims for Storm Damaged Roofing
Restoration Tips: Handling Insurance Claims for Storm Damaged Roofing & Siding. It is ironic this post is coming through to Grandma’s House DIY this morning as this afternoon we have some SEVERE weather coming through. I guess we made the news all the way down in Oklahoma for having so many tornadoes touch down last week. Its been pretty crazy! I know this is 2020 but our weather has been INSANE. Hopefully I won’t have to follow the advice in this article and our roofing and everything will get through this undamaged. Read the rest of the post »
Which Kitchen Elements Create The Biggest Effect?
Deciding on where to put a budget in a kitchen can really depend on the effect you’re going for. Paint can go SO FAR in updating cabinets, new appliances can go a long way in making a space feel new and modern, and even adding open shelves in the place of a cabinet can really help open up a space. Our budgets are always finite but so much can be done to create a huge effect in a space!
The Best Guidance For Young, First Time Homeowners
The Best Guidance For Young, First Time Homeowners. Buying a home for the first time is both incredibly exciting and scary as heck. Its a huge step into adulthood and responsibility but its also the opportunity to finally be truly independent. It takes awhile to really sink in but, eventually, the awesomeness of your own home and being able to do with it what we want, when we want to, is pretty much the greatest moment ever. It deserves some time off to really appreciate it for sure! Read the rest of the post »
Should You Keep or Ditch That Chimney?
As far as chimneys go, and whether or not to ditch or keep, the answer for us will, eventually be, to ditch it. We won’t be using it again and really its just taking up valuable real estate. I did paint ours to make it a little less painful to look at but I really look forward to getting rid of it! For other homes though that might not be the case. Homes where the chimney isn’t in the direct center of the home but on an outside wall may not find a very good reason to get rid of it unless, of course, it needs to be repaired or is somehow causing structure damage to the wall. Read the rest of the post »
Inspiration for a Home That’s Accessible AND Stylish
I’ve said it many times, I firmly believe that a home can work perfectly for whoever lives in it and still be beautiful. But I still believe a home should WORK for you first before beauty though I think both of them can be totally achieved. This is completely true for an accessible home as well, it can be lovely, stylish and work awesomely for everyone in your family and life! Read the rest of the post »
5 Budget-Friendly Tips for a Farmhouse Bedroom
Getting that farmhhouse bedroom can cost a lot nowadays that its become such a popular look but it certainly doesn’t need to! Though, I admit, that hardcore everything painted white farmhouse trend right now is a bit much for me I still think I maintain a pretty healthy dose of farmhouse around here without ever sacrificing modern convenience. I certainly think we can even still be minimalists and still even pull off a farmhouse bedroom. What all farmhouse looks have in common though is probably my favorite thing: They always feel homemade, cozy and comfortable.
June And July Jobs To Keep The Garden Looking Pristine
June and July in Minnesota is pretty much all about the yard and garden around here. Lodi purchased us a riding lawn mower and attacked this old farm yard with a vengeance. I’m not much of a grass person but I am a garden person! Between our new asparagus bed, new mulch, planted vegetable garden and weeding our perennial flower beds I am in absolute Heaven. Coming up the last Sunday of this month I can’t wait to show you guys our spring photo gallery too! Read the rest of the post »
Bringing The Green Into Your Home
One of my all time favorite projects was adding flower boxes to my master bedroom windows! I needed green so bad that winter because winter would simply NOT END. Seeing those growing happy plants every morning (even knowing it was cold and miserable and snowy outside) really helped me a lot. Since then I’ve added countless plants throughout the house, even had to add a plant table to the entryway because I ended up with too many! But, really, I don’t think “too many” is possible! Read the rest of the post »
6 Easy Steps to Keeping Your Home Clean
Every now and again I run into that Facebook meme that asks which would you rather have? Never have to cook, or clean, or do laundry or go shopping again. The vast majority (including myself) always picks the never having to clean the house again option. My dream is to be wealthy enough someday to hire someone to clean my house but, honestly, no matter how much money is my account I’m probably way too frugal for that! Read the rest of the post »
Key Areas Of Looking After The Exterior Of Your Home
Maintaining the outside of our homes, whether it be the roof, the windows or the siding, is mandatory when it comes to maintenance. It was one of the top things on my to do list last summer and I was scrambling to finish it last fall. The rock my ex had put up on the house was falling off and I knew it was only a matter of time before I saw serious water damage. It wasn’t not the funnest of jobs but knowing my home is dry and safe now is the the biggest relief! Read the rest of the post »
Transforming Your Garage Into An Extra Bedroom
So many of the older homes here have an “addition” that is very clearly an attached garage that was converted into an extra bedroom or living space. Oftentimes a new garage is added to the property to replace the one that was absorbed by the home. Homeowners replacing an attached garage often go with a DIY garage shed build rather than hiring a contractor, since a detached build can add the same parking and storage capacity at a fraction of the labor cost. Especially if its an attached garage converting it into an extra bedroom can be a really cost effective way of adding more square footage and value to a home. Read the rest of the post »
The Do’s and Don’ts of Picking Out Bedroom Furniture and Decor
There are no definitive rules when it comes to decor and furniture for any room in the house. Every home, every space, and all our families are a little bit different, and we all have different needs from a space. Picking out bedroom furniture and decor is probably my favorite room to have a little fun in. Probably because a bedroom can truly JUST cater to whoever lives in it so, there really are no rules! Unlike the rest of the house that also has to cater to guests! However, a few general guidelines are always important to follow. Read the rest of the post »
The New Rules For Space, Practicality & Comfort In The Home
I guess it would make sense that now that we are spending more time then ever in our home space that design ideas and goals would start to change. I do wonder how many people threw out their sofas and purchased new more comfortable ones now that they’ve spent more time on them than ever?! I’ve always been pretty practical with my spaces. They need to work for the people living in them first and foremost! Read the rest of the post »
Your 8-Step Action Plan to Preventing Water Damage
From mold to rot water damage can be a serious (and sometimes invisible) problem for any homeowner. I ran into a certain amount of it myself while renovating my Grandma’s house. Its vital to keep an eye on your roof, windows, etc. as they all can eventually age to the point of letting water into a home. Read the rest of the post »
Here’s what You Need to Know before you Buy an Older Property
Purchasing an older property SHOULD be daunting in its own way. Most people hugely underestimate the cost, time and effort it takes to bring an older property up to date. What I found with my grandma’s house, despite the blood sweat and the tears, is I would have had it no other way. I didn’t underestimate the cost, but I did understatement the amount of help I would have! But I wouldn’t have had it any other way, in the end, this place I got to make myself and that’s kinda amazing!
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4 Smart Tips for Keeping Your Home In Tip-Top Condition
Keeping a home in “condition” isn’t as simple as it seems. The truth we face as home owners is our homes will “never be finished” which is the most annoying of the advise we’ll get ever. Unfortunately! It does seem to be the case. Fortunately (or unfortunately) its not that we don’t ever finish our homes its just the fact that things literally where out and, sometimes, just no longer work for us. Like me with my once guest bedroom I converted into a workshop, our homes don’t always keep working for us through all of our lives.
Sleep Deprivation: What It Is And What To Do About It
I guess we all have certain subjects that, for some reason or another, we’re just plain over passionate about. For me that’s sleeping and sleep deprivation. A lot of factors go into it for me, from injuries to insomnia, to sleeping above a TV for most of my childhood that was never turned off, its only now, well into my 30s that I’m actually getting proper sleep for the first time in my life. WE’RE MORE SLEEP DEPRIVED IN THE UNITED STATES THAN WE’VE EVER BEEN AND STUDIES SHOW THAT SCREENS HAVE A LOT TO DO WITH IT. The bedroom is not for work or for play its about rest, healing and sleep and most people’s bedrooms totally fail to give them that. As long as I live there will never be a television in our bedroom or even on the second floor lol.
Keep Out The Cabin Fever With Decor & DIY
Cabin fever is no joke. I live in northern MN where we remark on it constantly throughout our endless winters so its not a new term to us at all. But that doesn’t mean we’re “used” to this kind of situation. In fact with winter quite over the majority of us are mortified that even though we finally made it to spring we’re still somehow stuck in the house! What else isn’t a joke is that there may be some people out there taking full advantage of being home and getting a lot done some of the rest of us have been paralyzed by the current world situation. I myself have hit quite the wall where motivation left LONG ago. I am working toward getting motivated again however I think any way we can get through these trying times is the RIGHT way, we can worry about the rest when its all over.
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Can’t Go To The Garden Store? Bring It To You Instead!
I think this year people will probably be spending more time in their gardens (and gardening) like never before with or without a garden store available to them. Personally I was already excited about my gardens this year but never more than right now with all of this crazy stuff in the world going on. My own stores are still open (though restricted in how many people can be in them and the times their open etc.) and I’m thinking though I may be weeks away from planting I should probably get over there and get my seeds now! Read the rest of the post »
18 Things To Remember When You Move House
Last time I moved I basically swore I would never do it again lol A move is just SO MUCH more work than usually anticipated. Last time my mom moved she rented a Uhaul even though she was only moving 1/4 of a mile down the road. What would have been dozens of trips with pickups was just ONE TRIP. It was so worth it. Regardless though a move is exciting and always a fun adventure! Read the rest of the post »
How to Fix Your Broken Dishwasher
Dishwashers have always been a bit of a nightmare in my life. Honestly I’ve just never owned one that I liked or seemed to work well lol I took my own here at home a part at one point and omg DISGUSTING. After that I do a maintenance at least once of a month of running it through its heavy cycle with nothing in it but a bowl full of bleach. So far *crosses fingers* it seems to be working! Read the rest of the post »
Why Laminate Flooring Can Be A Great Substitute for Wood Flooring
I absolutely ADORE my 100 year old hardwood floors in my home but they are absolutely not perfect nor totally low maintenance. Laminate wood flooring is an excellent choice that I actually recommend often even though I personally would never trade my real wood floors for anything. Laminate is generally less expensive and almost always A LOT more durable and can be just as pretty! Read the rest of the post »
What Are The Traits Of A Great Property Lender?
Besides finding the right lender for you we also need to take note on exactly what we CAN afford on a month to month basis. A lender (or a credit card company for that matter) might look at your income and be willing to borrow you more many than you’re comfortable paying every month. Being house poor makes absolutely no sense even if you can technically “afford” it you won’t be spending any time there because you’ll be at work barely making the payments. Its generally considered your monthly mortgage payment should never be more than half of your monthly income. Read the rest of the post »
The Maintenance Tasks You Shouldn’t Skip To Have A Truly Healthy Home
If you’re aiming to have a truly healthy home, there are certain maintenance tasks that should never be skipped or overlooked. It is truly amazing how much our homes affect our health not just physically but also mentally. One thing I don’t allow in my home is any sort of chemical or commercial cleaning products. I make everything here from scratch with basic ingredients I know work and I also know are non toxic! Read the rest of the post »
How to Save Money on Monthly Expenses
Most of you know that I can be almost painfully frugal at times but making a few sacrifices now knowing its driving me toward being debt free makes it an easy thing to do. I found that making just about everything I possibly can helps me keep a healthier home, saves me money and, almost always, results in my having a better product in the end anyway. There is really no losing in the situation. For example: buying lunch every day instead of making almost guarantees that I’ll probably be spending more for a product that isn’t as nourishing or good for me anyway. Read the rest of the post »
Three Functional Bathroom Designs That You Can Do Yourself
A functional bathroom design can vastly improve both the experience as well as the resale value of a home. I’ve been dreaming lately of ripping my fiberglass shower out. Not because it doesn’t work but because I have the room for a slightly bigger shower and simply want something better. I have dreams of subway tiled walls, a rain shower head, a teak bench and a penny tile or pebble rock floor! Read the rest of the post »
Key Points to Consider When Renovating a Bathroom
Bathrooms can be a much bigger undertaking than meets the eye. How can such a small space be such a nightmare sometimes when renovating? It happens, my own bathroom on the main floor has always been a thorn in my side. It started with a leak at the faucet so I had to rip the wall open to fix it. From there I’ve simply been ignoring it though it needs some real renovating – a total repaint, some attention to the floors and some kind of innovative storage solutions. It is definitely the room that I’ve procrastinated on the longest lol but any renovating done to bathrooms is totally worth it in the end! Read the rest of the post »
Giving Your Home A Sleek Aesthetic
Between clutter and poor furniture layout a room can literally go from feeling cramped and uncomfortable to feeling bright and airy. Its amazing what a little space planning and adjusting can to do to help a home feel good! Aesthetically even a small home can definitely feel open and very comfortable. I’ve been amazed at how much just some changes of furniture placement has helped my spaces so much! Read the rest of the post »
Creating The Perfect Bathroom
The perfect bathroom for me would be summed up in one word: COMFORT. Most bathrooms I’ve found are not terribly comfortable, they’re strictly for doing business and than leaving the room. My bathroom on the other hand I tried to turn into a space that I want to hang out and chill in. It has seating, books, casual furniture that you would normally find in a living room and not a bathroom. It even has a regular table lamp that provides the most lovely light for soaking in the tub and reading. Read the rest of the post »
5 Different Types of Metal Gates to Suit Your Style and Needs
Metal gates are just so pretty in my opinion though very pricey and have been beyond my budget for a while now. However, I don’t think that’s going to be the case forever and I’ve been eyeing a double swing metal gate to replace the one I built for the East staircase of my deck (pictured below). The wooden gates I built are just fine but, like with wood in any outdoor application, eventually they start to warp and rot. Metal, of course, will never do that so I really look forward to having them someday! Read the rest of the post »
Researching Your Renovation
In my opinion there shouldn’t be anything that could surprise us during a renovation. Research is the ONLY thing that can prepare us not only for the surprises but also on the timeline and what to expect from the very beginning. Of course nothing beats experience but going into your first renovation with open eyes will require research, time and patience. You should be starting out with the utmost confidence that we at least know everything we possibly can without any real world experience. Read the rest of the post »
Tips On Keeping Your Home Clean During A Renovation Project
Keeping a clean home during a renovation feels like an endlessly losing battle. Ideally we wouldn’t have to live in a construction site but, often, that’s just not the case. Protecting the rest of our houses while creating a mess in another room is a job into itself and requires quite a bit of prep and leg work before we can even begin our renovations. The specialist home addition company, Action Builders and others like it, will keep your home clean as they go along. And it can become tedious if you DIY. However, it is ALWAYS worth the effort and can make clean up a breeze! Read the rest of the post »
What You Need to Know About Buying a Property with a Well
There are just some things about living in the country that I never consider to not be standard for everyone. I have never lived in a home that DIDN’T have a well lol To be fair I am way out in the sticks when it comes to distance from any town. I had a new pump installed here before I moved in and learned my well was nearly 100 feet deep! I took a shower in town a couple of years ago at my friends place and just stood there and enjoyed the ridiculous amount of water pressure she had. I told her to appreciate it because it was so totally amazing! Some day I might decide to spurge and straight up spoil myself and have a larger pressure tank installed but, for now, I’m content and have never had any problems with my well here. Read the rest of the post »
Five Popular Home Siding Options
There are SO many siding options out there nowadays it can be a little overwhelming. When I chose my home siding (or really any of my materials) I have always started with the obvious: what can I afford? Which helps break down my options into more manageable amounts. I lvoe how far they’ve come though with vinyl and steel siding. Siding that will practically last forever but still even looks like cedar, stone and wood. Giving the look desired but without all the maintenance and up keep! Read the rest of the post »
Before Selling, How to Improve Your Home In the Winter
Whether you plan on selling your home in the spring or not winter really is the ideal time for inside work to our rooms and houses. I always tuck into winter with a serious to-do list no matter how much I would rather be hibernating! Over the holidays is the worst for me as December for us doesn’t see more than 8 hours of day light a day and getting home when its dark at 5pm really just makes a person want to do absolutely nothing besides curling up under a fuzzy blanket. Regardless though, when January finally rolls around its time to get motivated for some house projects! Read the rest of the post »
Customize Your Home For A Unique Look And Timeless Sustainability
A “custom” home often brings to my mind the idea of something that is brand new and, thus, very expensive and built entirely custom for whoever is paying for it. Of course, that is not always the case. Truly all of our homes are custom as we customize them to ourselves! I am thrilled to see more and more people getting behind customizing the old instead of replacing it and thus getting that awesome custom look and yet still remaining sustainable to the environment! That, in a nut shell, is what I do here at Grandma’s House DIY. Read the rest of the post »
Simple Hacks to Reinvigorate your Home
A few hacks to help reinvigorate your home! I so appreciate how this article points out how important our spaces are to our mental health. Have you ever come home or woken up, looked around and just kind of hated everything? That’s the moment I know its time to purge, declutter and put things away! Especially during the holidays I think we all let our houses “go” a little just for lack of time! I had on of those moments last week, after Christmas, I got home from work and just went, “This has gone on for long enough!” And I tackled my entry, my living room and my kitchen. A couple of hours later and I felt like a load had been taken off of my shoulders! Read the rest of the post »
Basic Ways to Brighten Your Home
There are many lovely and simple ways to brighten a home. Grandma’s house doesn’t get much sun. Its a blessing in the summers as I’ve never needed air conditioning but it does mean I have had to get creative to brighten it up a bit and it also means I only have so many decent hours to photograph it in a day lol I love my home but I do wish I got more sun though I would never give up all of my beautiful pine trees. Painting out all of my trim and ceilings in bright white has helped tremendously in giving my home a bright and light feeling. Read the rest of the post »
5 Christmas Decor Essentials for Your Home This Year
I’m not much for decorating for holidays… I actually think its kind of nuts lol. But, every year so far, when I finally get up my tree I’m always really glad that I did it. There’s just something about it that really does make a person strangely content and happy. It will be me and Lodi’s first Christmas together. One weekend we put up my little tree (our first tree) and it was incredibly special. In true millennial fashion though it also included The Good Place TV show, alcohol, a lot of passionate I love yous mixed with very creative cursing and absolutely no Christmas music whatsoever. Read the rest of the post »
Holiday House Prep: Getting Your Home Ready For Family
I’ll be hosting Xmas here just as I hosted Thanksgiving here this year. It just feels right that Grandma’s house be the place we all gather. Of course prep for me is not just cleaning – I always seem to be in the middle of some kind of construction project I’m hustling to finish before my guests arrive! Read the rest of the post »
Detoxify Your Home and Join the Green Cleaning Trend
Hey guys, today we’ve got a great article from Groom+Style about the benefits of going green with our cleaning and getting those chemicals out of our homes! You guys know that there is literally not a single commercial cleaner that I am still buying in the store because, quite frankly, they’re so easy to make and very cheap too! Make sure and check out the link at the bottom of the article to see it in full and get some great cleaning recipes. Read the rest of the post »
Snow Business: Essential Winter Warmers For Your Home
Snow is on its way, its official, we are getting our first FOR REAL winter storm in Minnesota literally tomorrow. My neck of the woods is looking at two inches at least and another chance of several more inches on Friday. It may be a no-go for many folks who were planning on traveling for Thanksgiving. Seeing family is important but seriously not worth driving in the kind of snow and ice that we often see here this time of the year. As for this girl, not leaving my warm little house is sounding better by the minute! Read the rest of the post »
HVAC: Home Heating & Air Conditioning Myths
Air conditioning has never been a necessary for me here at Grandma’s house. The last myth on this list is that the features of a home don’t have a lot to do with keeping it warm or cool which is, of course, a myth. I have thanked the universe countless times that I paid for the very best insulation on the market in this house which means my home is incredibly efficient. It was probably the best money I spent in the entire renovation besides new windows! Besides that my home is incredibly shaded, it can be 100 degrees outside and my living room has never been above 80 which is totally fine by me. Besides that a fan in a window or two can make a HUGE difference! Read the rest of the post »
Five of the Best Gifts for DIY Lovers
When I first read this article I wondered if I would personally want any of the gifts it suggested because I’m weird and picky as hell. Turns out though I WANT THEM ALL lol. I am that girl that literally has sand paper on her Amazon wishlist and I have had an electric paint sprayer on there countless times only to remove it thinking: Do I really need it though? Yes, I do want it and need it because it is returning to my Amazon wishlist right now! My aunt purchased a magnetic arm band for me last winter to hold screws and nails etc. Its too big for me because I’m little compared to who it was probably “made” for but I absolutely LOVE it. Read the rest of the post »
Tips and Tricks to Help Your Home Sell Faster
I haven’t disclosed this often on the blog but I am actually in the real estate industry for my day job. My entire job is totally dependent on whether or not houses (and property) sell in my area. This summer was a pretty big boom for us. No idea exactly why (I’m sure there are many factors) but homes sold here in the blink of an eye all year. It means this was one of my busier summers and also contributed a little bit to my admittedly looking forward to when everything slows down this winter! Read the rest of the post »
6 DIY Renovations to Make Your Rental Property Move-in Ready
I had always planned on some point either having a airbnb or a rental property in my basement. I worked on my mom’s guest house over a couple of weeks with the idea that she might someday may want to rent it out besides giving guests a place to stay. The idea has never been far from my mind to purchase old properties to restore and then keep as rental homes. Sounds like a ton of fun for someone like me but the risks have held me back so far! Read the rest of the post »
Turn Your Garage Into A Living Space
This post reminds me how badly I STILL need to declutter my garage even after the hours I spent out there working on it this summer. There’s nothing like finishing an unfinished building to make a chick want to just keep purging the crap she’s collected over the years. Though I never plan on my garage becoming a four season living space like this post suggests I still totally plan to rock it in my garage all summer long! (What amazes me though is that there are people even living in my neck of the woods who chose to convert their garages and NOT use them to protect their vehicles in the winter, which is just crazy to me!) Read the rest of the post »
4 Tips to Make Moving Furniture a Breeze
It probably won’t surprise any of you to hear that I’ve moved A LOT of heavy furniture (and other things…) in my life and have totally suffered the consequences. I’m pretty darned little when faced with a dresser that literally weighs more than I do. One thing about doing a certain amount of hauling though is you do get better at it! I’ve learned how to distribute the weight of the object as well as my own and I’ve also learned the vital importance of leverage. I’ve also learned when to call in help because injuring myself is just not something I want to do again! Read the rest of the post »
Going Green: 3 Ways to Make Your Home More Environmentally-Friendly
As most of you know I’m not “going green” I am pretty much “gone green” in my home at least within reason lol I still use plastic bags and paper towels from time to time and I don’t always remember to take my fabric grocery bags into the store with me etc. (To be fair though every plastic bag I bring home I reuse.) As for cleaning products in my home there I went green years upon years ago and I make all of my own hand soap, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, lotions, all household cleaners etc. In that case it was more because of my sensitive skin but you know one incredibly awesome perk I’ve found with going green? It’s save me a TON of money! Read the rest of the post »
Rain Chains Direct – Sign up for the Giveaway! I LOVE mine!
By some kind of coincidence I had literally just added a rain chain to my Amazon wishlist when I spotted this amazing one from Rain Chains Direct. I made my own gutters years ago using PVC pipe and they work great except this one end where the water comes out was giving my garden beneath it a beating every time it stormed. I thought about adding a down spout but those darned things are just ugly in my opinion. Then I spotted some amazing rain chains online and thought: That might work! Read the rest of the post »
4 Best Ways to Protect Your Home From All Sorts of Dangers
Its important to protect your home. When I was growing up we never locked our doors and I hear that’s true of a lot of country folks. I do lock my doors now but I also have a hidden key somewhere just in case. When I told a friend of mine about my hidden key and the fact that I gave a copy of my house key to everyone I trust in my life he asked me why I even HAVE a hidden key outside. I told him it was for me because I grew up with no locked doors I lock myself out all the damn time lol! Read the rest of the post »
New Windows – 5 Reasons to Buy and Install Them
When I started work here at Grandma’s House it was an absolute certainty in my head that every single window had to be replaced here. Some of them were only about 50 years old (young for my house lol) but the windows up stairs were original so they were 100 years old! New windows are paramount if you want an energy efficient home – whether you’re trying to keep the heat out or the heat in, they’re the first line of defense besides insulation and are VERY important!
Termite Problems DIY Tips for Controlling Them
Fortunately for us northern Minnesotans termite problems are not an issue. I did find some carpenter ant damage during the renovation and not long ago when I was ripping the stucco off my house. Our seasons are just so harsh we just don’t have insect issues like other places in the country. A good friend of mine down in Florida spends a bundle every year to get their entire home sprayed because its such a problem for them down there! Read the rest of the post »
Tips To Protect Your Exterior During The Fall
Here are some tips on how to protect and prepare your home’s exterior in the fall. Currently I am up to my elbows in attacking my house, literally scrambling to get my new siding up before the weather turns on us. Here in northern MN we experience the worst winters literally in the entire united states so we all take preparing for it VERY seriously. I’ve got pellets on the way for my pellet stove. I’ve begun battening down my hatches, making sure I’m not forgetting anything because there’s nothing like having to fix a window when its -20 degrees outside!
How To Make The Best Of Winter
Currently we are in the middle of “second summer” which means we’ve seen 80 degrees for a few days in a row. Our forecast is highs in the 50s and rain though so we’re all pretty much certain that this is it for us Minnesotans. Absolutely everyone I know is scrambling to get some outside time in. I’ve been loathe to even go inside when I get home at night. I just head for my deck and soak the heat up while its here. I’ve golfed, sun bathed, rolled around in my yard (for real lol) and am scrambling to also finish my siding. Winter is definitely coming!
5 Home DIY Safety Tips Everyone Should Know
Safety tips and why its important! It may have a bit to do with growing older, maybe we all just get a certain amount of close calls that finally knock it into our thick skulls that we need to start being more careful. It was quite awhile ago when I started watching myself a little closer. I injured my back badly during the renovation and though I kept right on working it slowed me down considerably. My reason for self preservation may not be for my own health, but to be able to keep working, but that’s good enough! I’ve repeated to myself multiple times that if I get injured here then NOTHING is going to get done! Read the rest of the post »
Implement These Two Important Things in your Home Remodel
Taking on a home remodel or renovation is not only a big decision but can also be a HUGE undertaking. Knowing where you’re going, how you’re going to get there and being able to roll with the punches while still standing on your plan is vital. Looking back, even after planning my own renovation for over a year before I even started, there are still some things I wish I had done differently. But I think that’s the nature of the beast. The one thing that I regret the most is the simple fact that I did not take my time as much as I would have liked. Read the rest of the post »
4 Interesting Decorative Motifs For Your Home
As far as decorative motifs go for my home I guess it can only be described as farmhouse hand me downs lol But I still think I have managed to use what I have well enough to also create a space that is elegant and feels put together. I’ve always loved animal prints though I’ve never really felt like I had a space I could use them in! My entryway became my gallery though and all of my horse prints from when I was a kid finally found a home (I was a bit horse obsessed!) Read the rest of the post »
8 Tips to Hire the Best Residential Insulation Service Providers
As for my house insulation was the largest one purchase I made at over $8,000. Because I own a 100 year old farmhouse I was dealing with a wall depth of only 4 inches. (Newer homes today are normally at least 6 inches.) So I knew I had absolutely no choice but to invest in the highest quality insulation that money could buy. I hired a company and they sprayed in closed cell spray foam and I have never regretted the investment! In my garage however I went with fiber glass and installed it myself! Read the rest of the post »
Cleaning Your Gutters Step by Step
I’ve helped several of my family with their gutters. Around here in northern MN full gutters are a real problem because we live in SERIOUS tree country. My aunt purchased the gutter caps as well as the foam she put inside of them to try to help out the situation. My own home has never had gutters in its entire life until I came around. I actually made my own on one portion of it using PVC pipe – it worked great! Read the rest of the post »
What To Think About To Improve Your Home’s Overall Appeal
Its an amazing thing what even a little paint can do but when it comes to your home’s overall appeal I think the most important thing is that it works perfectly for you first before what anyone else might think. My home is odd. Its a unique. Its a 100 year old farmhouse and nothing could ever change that. I love it but that doesn’t mean it would necessarily appeal to anyone else. Read the rest of the post »
Best Customized Gifts to Give This Season
I’ve made several customized gifts over the years for my friends and family. I think my favorite was my Bestest mom in all the land sign that I created with a stencil and barn wood for mother’s day last year. I also created men’s gift baskets one winter that went over really well. This year I pulled a full on Grandma and have already made over forty quarts of pickles to give away as gifts to my extended family. There really is just something far more special when its customized and created by you for your friends and family. Read the rest of the post »
How to Select The Right Mattress for Your Aging Body
The average American will spend thirty six years in bed so, at least in my opinion, we deserve the right mattress for all that time. I think at this point I’ve lectured everyone I know on how important their bed is! I may only be in my early thirties but I’m also riddled with sports injuries. If I didn’t have a decent bed (and pillow) I would barely be able to walk in the morning and the ensuing migraines would literally make it almost impossible for me to function. When anyone mentions how sore their back is in my company (or how bad their headaches have gotten) my first question is ALWAYS: How old is your mattress? What kind is it? What kind of pillow do you have? Read the rest of the post »
Sensationally Summery Ways to Enhance Your Home Today!
For the first time in my life I have what I think of as “summer sheets” and I have a set of “winter sheets” on my wishlist! I have plenty of sheets, they might be twenty years old but they work fine, but I learned last year that new sheets are an inexpensive way to truly spoil ourselves. I purchased a lovely pair of thin white sheets that are so wonderful in the summer time for making me feel summery! And it does make a difference on how comfortable my bed is too. The temperature in my master is at least ten degrees warmer in the summer than winters so sheets actually do make a big difference!
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3 Must-Do’s to Consider During Your Kitchen Renovation
Kitchen renovations are by far the biggest expense (and stress) during any type of remodel. They also pay off the most though as a kitchen really can make or break a home. A small reno on the kitchen can be just painting out the cabinets and replacing the hardware. That may not cost very much but it is still a HUGE undertaking for most DIYers. I helped my mom paint out her entire kitchen and though it did take forever it was absolutely worth it! Read the rest of the post »
5 Ways DIY Empowers Women
DIY is very empowering that’s for sure! I would probably have to admit that I am at least part way addicted to the feeling of stepping back and looking at a completed project that I did entirely myself. Pulling up to my home and it looking beautiful and complete entirely because of me is an AMAZING thing. Nowadays we’ve all really moved away from doing things ourselves so much so that its created a whole movement of returning to a more sustainable way of life. And you can’t live a sustainable way of life without doing just about everything yourself! Read the rest of the post »
Everything You Need to Know about Baths for Your Bathroom Reno
Bath tubs are definitely making a come back though I don’t think we’ll ever see them quite as common in homes as we once did with the standard tub shower combo that everyone had. Walk in showers are simply safer for everyone involved without the need to step up and over a tub lip and the chance of slipping that that creates. And a bench or seating can always be added to showers if its needed. But the stand alone bath tub is definitely coming back in a big way, I absolutely ADORE mine! Read the rest of the post »
5 Questions to Ask Yourself before a Big Move
I’ve only really moved once in my life as an adult and I kinda felt like: “OK never again if I don’t have to!” Moving is a HUGE job. I know people who have moved a lot in their lives and I really respect them for it! When I moved back home for good ten years ago I could fit everything I wanted to bring back with me in my Corolla. I moved back in my mom and then helped her move to a new home which was a major down size from what she was living in. It was only about a mile away but we still rented a U-Haul and it was a lifesaver! Read the rest of the post »
When To Call In The Experts
Most of the time I tell everyone to just call the experts. I’m always pretty slow to encourage people to do it yourself with their houses like I do. Quite frankly I don’t want to be held responsible if they destroy something or flood their basement etc. Which is why there is a large disclaimer at the bottom of this website. However, the majority of things in a home are not terribly difficult to do. Do your research. If for any reason you are NOT comfortable doing it then don’t! Read the rest of the post »
Crafting and Creativity: Taking up a New Skill
The closest I’ve ever come to “crafting” I guess would be back when my Mom taught me to crochet. I’ve always loved the idea of getting a sewing machine and really learning to sew, but, admittedly, I am truly impaired when it comes to most things that are considered crafts. In fact, I’m kind of the chick that throws anything tedious across the room lol. But, still, as I grow older I can see myself picking up crocheting again someday, I would love to have at least one blanket of my own that I made to hang beside those my Grandma and Mom made! Read the rest of the post »
Live With Less: Tips To Declutter Inside And Outside Your Home
I LOVE to declutter! But I am on both sides of this coin when it comes to a hoarder and a purger. On one hand I can’t stand clutter or “stuff” I even realized this year when I had another dozen garbage bags to haul to the dump that every single thing in my life has a literal expiration date for me. I thought I had cleaned out my garage last fall! Turns out another few months meant another load expired! I’m pretty ruthless – if I don’t use but have moved it more or once – its GONE. On the other hand though when it comes to OLD things, like my Grandparents’ screen doors or all the old furniture I have. Well, let’s just say I won’t be parting with any of it ever!! Read the rest of the post »
DIY Redesigning Your Living Room
OMG you guys I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it here yet but I am SO excited to redesign my living room this fall! I plan on painting it out and redoing the floors (like I did in my entryway because the smoke damage is bad in here too) I also plan on painting the ugly rock on the chimney. Its really one of the last big jobs to take care of the smoke damage and really get my home sparkling again! I also even plan on (drum roll please) a new couch! It seems kinda silly but I’ve never picked out a new couch by myself before and I’m really excited! Read the rest of the post »
Each Type of Property Inspection every Home Buyer should do
I came into my Grandma’s house with my eyes fully wide and open. In the States a 100 year old home, that I knew had not been updated in the 1950s, would require a full gut and total replacement of all electrical and plumbing and, not to mention, new windows, doors and insulation. Pretty much everything. Knowing that though there was simply no reason for me to get an inspection. HOWEVER, I have always always always encouraged an inspection before anyone I knew every purchased a home. Read the rest of the post »
Easy DIY: 5 Advantages of a DIY Security System
I remember the years back when I was growing up and there was never a closed garage door or a locked door in the my childhood home. In fact, when we decided to start locking our doors we gave up on it because we were constantly locking ourselves out. I went through the doggie door several times one summer to get in… Speaking of the dogs though we had a pretty impressive, protective and loud security system in the form of three BIG dogs. And that is totally the type of security system I plan on getting someday! Read the rest of the post »
Top 4 Signs Your Home Has Mice
I think the majority of home owners have dealt with mice in the house from time to time. I live on an old farm so its kind of par for the course. One of the reasons I am so adamant that I need to get that rock off my house and the old stucco beneath it is because I have a bit of a mouse highway into my crawl space and then into my basement. Its not good lol. I keep traps out all of the time and have had several arguments with red squirrels in my house! I’ll get it fixed though and I so look forward to not having to worry about little critters inside again! Read the rest of the post »
Do Or Don’t Wall Mount That TV
As a lot of you know I have a ridiculously huge tv that I never would have purchased for myself. Long story short: it quit working, a family member gave it to me, I looked it up on youtube, did surgery and fixed it. So, now I have this pretty darned incredible television which is kinda funny because though I enjoy tv I actually don’t watch much of it. Though I totally appreciate my bad ass tv when I do! I purchased a wall mount and a friend helped me get it up on the wall. It was a really nerve wracking (and very heavy) so when I realized it was too high I just left it and learned to live with it! Read the rest of the post »
Home Problems, What to do When You Can’t DIY? Here are Your Options
This article got me thinking about the problems I’ve run into here that either A: I couldn’t do or B: I didn’t WANT to do myself. Case and point: My VERY steep roof that needed to be shingled. I hired that one out! Yes, I could have done it but I really really really didn’t want to! The other main thing I hired out here was getting insulation sprayed in. I went with Spray Foam. It was a HUGE cost. If I had purchased fiberglass I would have put it in myself but I deducted that the cost was totally worth what I was getting in the end. No regrets! Read the rest of the post »
You Don’t Have To Move to a New Home To Enjoy More Space
This article makes so many good points! ne of my favorite ideas is probably the most obvious one: Create multi function spaces. Most folks these days hardly use a room JUST for dining anymore. Many times a breakfast nook is plenty and the dining room can be converted to a play room, an office, a doggie day care, whatever you may need! My entryway/office/dining room is a perfect example of a how room can totally serve a ton of different purposes! Read the rest of the post »
Year-Round Revamps for Easier Yard Maintenance
I appreciated this article mentioning the growing movement of grass-free lawns. Someday I plan on hiring a farmer to come in here and turn my entire yard over and disc it for me. On it I plan on planting native white clover and dandelions. I love the idea of a “lawn” that supports local wild life and, not to mention, the idea of a yard that never needs to be mowed! And I know I would be just as happy walking barefoot through clover as I would through grass! Read the rest of the post »
How to Get an Honest Price Out of a Tradesman, Even the Plumber
The first tip in this article is exactly what I would have suggested when it comes to finding someone to do work on your home. Ask your family and friends – do a call out on Facebook etc. Also, don’t be afraid to not hire someone just because you don’t like them, instinct is a REAL thing and its rarely wrong. Interview, make sure and at least see a few different people before making a decision. I’ve had very very little work done to my home except that I’ve done myself but, before I hire anyone, I always know exactly what I want them to do and have a figure in my head of roughly what I think the job is worth. Read the rest of the post »
10 DIY Dorm Room Decor Ideas On a Budget!
It occurred to me that designing a dorm room is not that much different than designing a tiny house. Every single piece must have function and, even better, be multi-functional! I saw an article of a couple of gals that made the news because they had created such a smart and gorgeous dorm room. They brought in really tall bunk beds for either side of the room, they slept on the tops and removed the lower bed. Where the lower bed would have been they each created their own walk in closet beneath where they slept! They hung curtains around the beds both for privacy and to cover their closets.
Six Ways to Salvage Possessions After Water Damage
When it comes to flooding I’m fortunate to live in a place where the chance of it is basically zero. Even with the several FEET of snow we got dropped on us this last winter most people I know dealt with few problems. Even I had expected to still see some water in my basement when it all melted but that wasn’t the case. I did have an ice damn on my roof that caused dripping into my workshop which was entirely my own fault because I didn’t get the snow off my roof like I should have! Read the rest of the post »
5 Tips to Raise Your House Value
I’ll never forget the real estate crash of 2018, it brought my family absolutely to the brink. Not many of you know but my day job is working for an abstract and title company, it is very dependent on homes selling. All has rcovered since the crash of 2008, but no one has forgotten it. House values remain incredibly important and always will be. I do find it rather tragic though that oftentimes we don’t make our houses nice or “fix” them until we sell. Read the rest of the post »
7 Hacks To Liven Up Your Home When You Are On a Budget
I think its important not just for our homes to be beautiful sanctuaries but also spaces we can have fun with! For a lot of us we’re going to be in our homes for a VERY long time. Sometimes our spaces are lovely and “finished” but, regardless, we need CHANGE. It is more than possible to get bored and tired with even a beautiful space. My favorite thing I’ve done in my house is repurpose furniture in places it was never made for. Such as: my dresser in my entryway! Read the rest of the post »
Renovating An Old House? 5 Common Problems To Keep In Mind
My goodness if a house is considered old when it hits its 30th birthday then mine must be considered ancient! My old farmhouse was built in 1905 so this year she is 104! I knew going into this that no part of the home (electrical or plumbing) had been updated since the 1950s and a portion of the home had not been touched nearly back to when she was built. So, right away, I got power turned off at the house and a couple of outlets installed for me at my pole so I could run lights. Read the rest of the post »
Restoring An Old House: What You Should Know Before You Start
I came into my 100 year old farmhouse with my eyes wide open when it came to what I may (or may not) be facing. I knew it hadn’t been updated since the 50s so immediately in my head I understand that I would be having to gut this old home back to the studs. I knew all of the electrical and plumbing would have to be replaced and I would also need to insulate and replace all of the windows as well. Read the rest of the post »
What to Consider when Selecting Insulation for your Home
By far the largest single purchase I made when renovating my home was $9,000 for spray foam insulation. I think everyone thought I was nuts especially because if I had purchased the bat insulation instead I could have installed it myself. But there were several factors that made my decide on the spray foam and it wasn’t just because it was considered the best in the industry at the time. Read the rest of the post »
How You Can Learn To Remodel A Home
I honestly don’t know if I would have tackled this remodel on my own, like I did, without the internet! I had already learned many lessons from an ex boyfriend (and my own really bad choices) on how NOT to remodel a home but still… A decade ago we couldn’t google a plumbing problem at 4am to find a thousand videos of people before us having had the same problem. I did buy several books of course and I did come into this with eyes pretty much wide open from my past mistakes. Read the rest of the post »
You Needn’t Break Your Back With These Garden Hacks
After that winter you wouldn’t believe my Facebook feed of fellow Minnesotan’s rejoicing that we actually made it to spring! It really felt like it was touch and go there for awhile! But, we did, we made it and I cannot WAIT to get dirty again. I joked with my mom that as soon as I see a patch of dry dirt and grass I’m going roll around in it like my horses! Read the rest of the post »
More Than A Tool Kit: 3 Surprising Items Any DIYer Can’t Do Without
If there was one item I would urge everyone to get it is the one “tool” most people don’t always seem to have when they start doing any DIY projects. Proper boots! I’ve learned the hard way, a few too many times, to always always always wear my work boots no matter how hot it is outside. Because that’s the only time I’ll ever NOT wear my work boots. They don’t need to be fancy, expensive or even steel toed. But you really need to get yourself something tougher then a pair of tennis shoes. Read the rest of the post »
Pro Tips on How to Choose the Best Kitchen Cabinet Online
I’m currently in the middle of tackling my kitchen. I’m SO excited I got so much done this winter! I finished my Workshop, Laundry room and just completed my entryway/dining room a couple of weeks ago. Currently I am just finishing up my kitchen remodel – I cannot WAIT for you guys to see all of the results. This article talks about a great kitchen cabinet and, truly, no kitchen would be a kitchen without some kind of decent cabinet storage! Read the rest of the post »
Top 3 DIY Tips to Hide Ugly Water Heaters and Furnaces
Top 3 DIY Tips to Hide Ugly Water Heaters and Furnaces. Hiding ugliness in our homes is something I think we all spend a lot of time doing. Some of us are fortunate enough to have a small room or closet devoted to the inner workings in our homes. But that’s not always an option, especially in smaller houses. Curtains, doors and even cabinets are all great options.
Cheap Ways to Upgrade your Furniture
There are many easy and cheap ways to upgrade furniture if its no longer your style. It is no secret that buying something new is basically my last case worse scenario. if I can’t build it or alter a piece that I already have my next step is to head to my salvage yards and thrift stores. People throw away and get rid of such gorgeous old pieces in exchange for something of far lesser quality just because its “new”. Read the rest of the post »
Buying a Fixer Upper: What You Need to Know First
Of course when asked the question, “Should I buy a Fixer Upper?” I’m just a tad bit biased lol. Was my Grandma’s house a ridiculous amount of work? Absolutely. Did I give up bucket loads of blood sweat and tears for this place? Absolutely. Do I have any regrets doing this myself? Not a single one. DIYing a fixer upper can literally give you the home of your dreams but it will be about twice the work and time then you ever initially thought! Read the rest of the post »
3 Things Landlords Need to Look for to Buy a Rental House to Renovate
There are several individuals in my small town (and probably most small towns in the US) that are purchasing small, older homes to renovate and rent. These rental properties serve a few purposes for a community. They offer affordable housing especially for younger folks, often singles or just couples and they’re also offering another shot at life for homes that may not have survived much longer. Often the homes around here that are being purchased as rentals are all, at least 50 years old and some as old as 200. Read the rest of the post »
Helpful Tools and Resources for Landlords
I always had the plan here at Grandma’s house to become a landlord someday. The longer I am here it becomes more and more clear to me that my initial hope to make my basement a rental is definitely the smartest and most economical way forward. I am still year from getting to that point but I will admit a certain amount of apprehension. Read the rest of the post »
Cost-Effective Outdoor Shading Solutions
Disclaimer: We just reached our February snow fall record. That’s right, there’s so much cold stuff in my yard its almost unbelievable. Which is totally why I chose the very tropical pictures in this post because, to be quite frank, I am SO sick of winter! Regardless though, it will pass as it always does and I am typing this WAY past my bedtime on a Thursday because I am officially on day ONE of my six day stay-cation! And even though being somewhere hot and sunny right now does sound wonderful, I would not rather be anywhere else in the whole wide world. Read the rest of the post »
3 Changes That Will Make a HUGE Difference in Your Home
There are many changes we can make to our homes that really will make a huge difference. Some of the changes can be small and simple and yet, make a massive impact. Paint is a good point here, almost any of us can do it and yet, it can entirely change the look and feel of a room. Light fixtures are a great point and people are just beginning to realize that to update our fixtures we actually don’t need to go to anymore expense than a can of spray paint! Read the rest of the post »
What Causes Water Damage Around The Home?
I think this article about water damage is basically every homeowners worst nightmare. Fortunately, with the invention of pex plumbing, burst water pipes are becoming more a thing of the past. Instead of drilling holes through a dozen 100 year old floor joists I, instead, went straight up the wall from my kitchen sink to plumb in my master bathroom sink. Way easier, made way more sense. Too bad I live in Minnesota and its a north wall. Every year, if it gets below negative zero temperatures, the pipes freeze to my master sink. Read the rest of the post »
What’s So Great About A Fixer Upper?
Of course when asked the question “What’s So Great About A Fixer Upper?” I’m just a tad bit biased lol. Was my Grandma’s house a ridiculous amount of work? Absolutely. Did I give up bucket loads of blood sweat and tears for this place? Absolutely. Do I have any regrets doing this myself? Not a single one. This article mentions how DIYing a fixer upper can literally give you the home of your dreams and that is just so incredibly true. Read the rest of the post »
3 Things to Consider Before Fixing Your Roofing
During my home renovation there were only two jobs I hired out. Some might call me nuts but when it comes to do it yourself I really am loathe to EVER call anyone to work on my home. But, even for me, every great now and again, my safety (and sometimes sanity) simply comes first. Number one was putting new shingles on Grandma’s House. The second floor is more known as a “half floor” where the roof is built damned near vertical. I don’t mind roof work but that was too much even for me! Read the rest of the post »
Why You Should Install Carpet in Your Home
Though I think we’re still smack dab in the “anti-carpet-beyond-all-reason” stage of decor I also believe carpet will slowly be coming back. Certainly not as far “back” as it used to be with the wall to wall pink shag in bathrooms lol but carpet has REALLY come a long way. Its far more durable, more beautiful and much much greener than it ever used to be. Read the rest of the post »
4 Home Projects That Are Beyond Easy to Do – Do it yourself!
I love that the first project on this list is to clean out your drunk drawers. Have you watched Tidying up with Marie Kondo on Netflix yet? All I can say is I have this outrageous need to fold something!! In all seriousness though she did give me on piece of advice I actually put to use the other night! See I have these two really nice rolling file cabinets that I moved from my office space to out in my Workshop thus FORCING myself to clean them out. Read the rest of the post »
3 Great Benefits of Installing Security Roller Shutters on Your Property
Up until this article honestly I didn’t realize they made shutters like these for anything besides commercial store fronts. With the hurricanes the United States has been hammered with though these make a lot of sense! I know many homeowners in the southern part of the US install and then remove steel covers over their windows and doors when bad weather is on its way but, this would be an amazing option. Read the rest of the post »
A Garden For Guests: Make Your Backyard Suitable For Entertaining
I don’t think its a secret here on the blog how much I adore my deck and just how much time I (and maybe all of us Minnesotan’s) spend outside in the summers. I just love outdoor entertaining and seeing my yard filled with my friends and family is incredibly special for me. From my fire pit to my huge deck (I call it my dance floor) I always have more plans to make it even more functional every year and to add to my garden as well. Read the rest of the post »
Protect Yourself Legally From Uncertainties with a Rental Agreement
I put a lot of thought into rental agreements earlier this year when thinking about my basement. Finding the right renter is something that has literally kept me up nights worrying about it! And my basement is FAR (like years) from even being ready for a renter. But that’s just how I am, I always think about things WAY ahead of time. I am leaning more toward an airbnb rental now as opposed to long term but, on the other hand, if I could find a renter I trusted long term is certainly something I would consider and, in that case, a rental agreement would be KEY. Read the rest of the post »
When To Go DIY & When To Go Pro
I’ve had folks ask me here on the blog (many times) what they should do themselves and what they should hire out. Honestly that’s not really something I can answer as it totally depends on their own experiences and ability. But there are some things you can do yourself without any experience whatsoever and just basic tools. Read the rest of the post »
The Definitive Guide To Household Job To-Do Lists
Back before the blog to-do-lists were a constant in my house. I would have stacks of them devoted to each room and I always had one in hand (not to mention one in my head) every moment I was doing the renovation here. I’ve actually bemoaned myself for throwing them all away! How neat would it have been to have every to do list I completed in the renovation in a box somewhere?! Read the rest of the post »
How To Make Your Home More Healthy
It is no secret on the blog here how health conscious I am about what I allow to come into my home. Basically I am entirely chemical free at this point, I make all my own cleaners including laundry and dishwasher detergent. For real, I just use vinegar for everything and it severs me just fine lol! I also add essential oils all over the place, you can find a bottle (or several) in almost every room of my house. Read the rest of the post »
10 Tips to Ensure a Lively Garden
It isn’t just that there’s snow outside or that we have a high of 8 degrees on Thursday that makes me happy to publish an article about gardening. It is also because I have plans to get back to gardening next year! You guys know that after the divorce (literally almost exactly one year ago) I stripped my life down to the bare essentials and removed excess so that I could focus more on my happiness and healing. My vegetable garden was one of those things, one less worry this last summer. Read the rest of the post »
7 Easy Home Decor Sewing Projects
Every single one of these projects would make a lovely holiday gift for just about anyone. Unfortunately for me just about anything that requires fabric (and my patience) has never gone well as a project in my house lol I have little to no sewing talent whatsoever though I can absolutely put a button on! My aunt on the other hand, back when she was my age, was literally sewing tailored suits for herself! Read the rest of the post »
Top 5 Tips for Decorating Your Pool Area
Oh my gosh can we all just take a moment of silence for those of us (me) in northern MN who woke up to temperatures in the NEGATIVE this morning?! For goodness sakes is it cold even for us right now! And we had literally no fall or spring in 2018 to speak of… Our first snow was in Septemeber and it also snowed in April this year! Ok, rant over, moving on to enjoying the images here of hot days and lounging by a pool! Read the rest of the post »
Nighttime Hacks for Better Sleep
Getting a good nights sleep is something that I absolutely work hard at and cherish. But, for someone who loves sleep and her bed so much, I have a notoriously terrible history of insomnia and night terrors. I have my own nighttime hacks that help get me to sleep faster and stay alseap. First thing is first though: if you are uncomfortable in your bed room getting a good night’s sleep is already an uphill battle. After my divorce I tackled my entire master floor and my bedroom and, for the very first time since I was a kid, my bedroom became a haven. Read the rest of the post »
Bringing More Warmth into Your Home This Winter
Tragically for me (and everyone else whose living in the northern United states right now) we have already been hit hard by winter. This morning I saw the temperature was -2 when I got up and I literally yelled, “FOR REAL!?” This is early, even for us, we didn’t see much of a fall and our first snow was in September this year. We’re all pretty darned crabby actually lol. Read the rest of the post »
3 Ideas For A Sleeker Home Design
One thing I’ve found with my own home and room designs is that there is a huge difference between creating cozy and creating a cluttered space that feels claustrophobic. Step one: surfaces should be kept open and clean giving the space a feeling of openness. Step two: accessories should be kept at a minimum and kept in an orderly fashion. Though my home design is not modern by any means I find those two rules always make my rooms feel sleeker and light. Read the rest of the post »
How To Protect Your Home Against The Elements This Winter
This article just reminded me on the one other big job I really needed to get done before winter. Unfortunately it is now going to have to wait until spring but the rock my ex put on the outside of my house is literally just falling off. Under it the stucco is breaking away and the wood beneath that is rotting. Its not really not good. And its awful I didn’t get there this summer. Read the rest of the post »
Storm Recovery: Advice For Homeowners
Living up here in northern MN we don’t face the problems with storms like many other places in the United States. Our main worry is snow and cold! Every year many homeowners this far north deal with freezing septic and water lines (even right in the middle of town) not to mention ice damns on their roofs ripping their shingles and gutters off. Read the rest of the post »
6 Inexpensive Hacks For Your DIY Baby Shower
How fun! The last baby shower I went to was all farmer themed. The ladies ordered a green frosting cake and then they DIY’d the heck out of the top of it. They added a whole stable yard of pigs and cows as well as a john deer tractor! Behind the tractor they simply scraped off the frosting (it was a chocolate cake) to make it look like the “ground” behind it had been tilled up. They also added large stuffed farm animals into the buffet to make it look like horses were eating the carrots etc. Read the rest of the post »
7 Interior Design Trends to Get Your Home Ready For The Holidays
I am reminded of all the wonderful little plans I have this year for the holidays in Grandma’s House. I actually wasn’t planning on even having a tree (ducks as tomatoes are thrown at her from the crowd) but, of course, I caved! And now I am so excited for not only the tree but all the little decorations and plans I have to make this home holiday ready! Read the rest of the post »
Things You Should Know Before Buying a Water Filter
Water filters are a big thing up here in Minnesota. We are considered one of the more health conscious states but, what most people don’t know, is that we’re also a pretty big farming state as well. Being so close to farmland means that the state is even testing people’s well water for free (including mine) for nitrates etc. Fortunately for me my well water was considered “safe” and also doesn’t include a lot of iron. Which is not true for many of my neighbors. Read the rest of the post »
How to Keep your Garden Clean and Healthy
I loved this article when I saw it in my inbox because right now we officially have an inch of snow on the ground! Yes, everyone is very crabby lol it is so awesome to me that there are folks out there (a lot of them) who are still looking at their beautiful gardens and maintaining them. I’m totally jealous! Next year our garden will start out with a shed removal and rebuild right beside it. Read the rest of the post »
Best Wall Décor Ideas for Small Spaces
I don’t normally think of my home as “small” especially now that I’m here alone but my main living space is really just 1,500 square feet. Which is a ton of room for me! But I know other folks would think of my farmhouse as small. I can’t imagine having more space though, right now I feel spoiled with more space then I even need. What makes a huge difference in making spaces look larger is good wall décor. Read the rest of the post »
8 Steps for Finding Your Dream Home
Before Grandma’s house became my forever home I had been searching for a little old farmhouse to buy and renovated myself. The process alone was SO much fun! I loved looking at all the options out there and just imagining what could be done with the homes and the properties. Of course I was always looking at the ugliest houses available lol my dream had always been one day to flip properties. Read the rest of the post »
4 Farmhouse Interior Design Ideas For Your Home
Hey guys, as you know I am ALL about farmhouse interior design around here. I do happen to live in a 100 year old farmhouse so it just comes natural lol. Personally I’ve always LOVED farmhouses so it was simply a matter of time before I ended up in one. My grandparents lived in my old house for over fifty years and the fact that I was able to make this my own home remains one of the real treasures in my life. Read the rest of the post »
How to Baby Proof Your New Kitchen
Did I ever tell you guys that I have eleven nieces and nephews? Whenever anyone asks if I’m planning on having kiddos I always tell them I’m off the hook lol. Whenever I have family gatherings I always spend a certain amount of time scrambling and baby proofing where I can. Especially the kitchen! Read the rest of the post »
5 Signs You Need to Renovate Your Home
As far as realizing you need to renovate my rule of thumb is if it hasn’t been touched since the 1980s you probably need to renovate lol. When I came into Grandma’s house there was no doubt it my mind that this 100 year old farmhouse would require a full gut. From the insulation (or, the lack thereof) to the wiring and plumbing that had not been updated in over 50 years, this home need to be entirely renovated. Read the rest of the post »
Should You Sleep on an Organic Mattress?
Considering how much time we spend in our beds a good mattress should be a serious priority. We spend like 1/3rd of our lives in it! With a family history of back problems I’ve actually never slept on a spring mattress and, every time I have, I’ve regretted it lol I was spoiled as a kid. I had a sleep number bed for YEARS until it finally bit the dust on me. Read the rest of the post »
Top Stove Top Espresso Makers that Every Coffee Lover Should Consider
I admit it: I read this article and my first thought was, “What the heck is a Moka Pot?” Now I know lol and I’m actually really considering buying one. Currently I am making do with a VERY old Kuerig that is literally on its last legs and has been making below average coffee for me for the past six months. I use the little reusable K-cups (which I love) but my maker just isn’t getting the water hot enough any more which is also kinda scary. Read the rest of the post »
Office Design – How I planned out a Functional and Beautiful Space!
One thing I think you guys already know about me is that functionality rules in my household. So, when it came to working on my office design that was totally #1. My office had to FUNCTION and function WELL because I was going to be spending a lot of my time in it. So to me the first thing of course is the desk. I needed something to put my computer on lol Read the rest of the post »
Ways to remodel your kitchen on a budget
What’s wonderful about the age we live in right now is that we can truly update our spaces not just by doing it ourselves but also really inexpensively! My mom’s little place was in dire need of an update, it felt dark, dirty, dingy and basically made me hate every surface. On a wing and a prayer we decided to simply paint EVERYTHING and we than see how we felt about the big things (the floors, counter tops etc.) once the paint dried. Read the rest of the post »
Planning a Bathroom Makeover? Here’s 6 New Trends You Should Try
Giving my bathroom a makeover this spring was one of many steps on my way to reclaiming my space after a divorce. I truly just flew by the seat of my pants, added things that I loved and simply just went for it. I love how my bathroom feels now and can’t believe how just some inexpensive additions made such a huge difference! Read the rest of the post »
6 Lighting Options That Will Transform Your Garden
Its been said many times when it comes to space design that lighting can absolutely transform it like almost nothing else can. And I totally agree! The right lighting can take a stark space and make it feel warm and cozy, it can also take a dark and dreary space and make it feel bright and welcoming. And outside lighting can transform your yard into a whole other living room of your house! Read the rest of the post »
Should You Hire a Professional Home Inspector?
I may be a bit biased when it comes to home inspectors because my brother happens to be one lol but I have encouraged an inspection to every single friend of mine who was considering purchasing a home. Whether you’re new to home ownership, or have a lot of knowledge under your belt, another set of experienced eyes can be really helpful. Read the rest of the post »
5 Stunning Wood Design Ideas For Small Homes
I’ve always been drawn to wood and I think its entirely due to my grandparents’ being wood workers. When they retired from farming and milking their cows they converted their (now my) old barn into a wood workshop. I have so many memories of being out there in the saw dust helping. To this day the smell of stain brings me right back to being with my grandma. Read the rest of the post »
The flexibility of ship lap both permanent and as a back drop!
Ship lap is easy to install and can be used in multiple applications, it can be painted, sealed, stained or left as is. In my farmyard I’ve run into a lot of old ship lap that I’ve used extensively throughout my home mostly in permanent situations but it doesn’t always have to be permanent. What’s great is how flexible it is depending on your choice of finish and application but it still always adds that certain bit of country charm! Lets all give a big welcome to Leanna from Faeries and Fauna who will be joining me today to talk about how she used ship lap as a backdrop! Read the rest of the post »