DIY Life

Home Style Upgrades on a Budget - DIY Links

Cheryl Thompson — 2011-03-04T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Kitchen & Bath, Big Projects, Makeovers & Inspiration, Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Small Spaces, Living Spaces, Crafts & Celebrations

Hack your way to sophisticated home style with these innovative, budget-friendly projects from around the web.

Marcus Design

Dorothy Draper Hollywood Regency furniture pieces can easily set you back thousands of dollars. But a trip to IKEA can garner you the materials to create a fabulous knockoff -- one that costs just a little more than $30. Nancy from Marcus Design has step-by-step instructions to transform an affordable, bland dresser into a gorgeous DIY showpiece.[Marcus Design via Ikea Hacker]

Apartment Therapy

MacGyver may have met his match in Ohdeedoh's Katie Steuernagle. With a few pieces of wood, vinyl strips and a concrete form, she whipped up an amazing DIY nightstand. The nailhead trim gives this DIY creation a high-end look -- for only $30! [Apartment Therapy]

DIY Network

Want a beautiful kitchen remodel without spending major cash? The key is to get the most out of inexpensive materials. Take for example this sleek kitchen island, which is crafted out of two-sandwiched IKEA cabinets topped off with butcher-block. The soda-fountain stools were online finds that were anchored into the floor. [DIY Network]

Better Homes & Gardens

Bookcases and storage cubes are simple pieces that can be converted into custom furniture creations. Turn stackable storage cubes into an entertainment center by screwing the cubes together and adding metal legs (pictured left). For a floating store-and-serve buffet, use wall anchors and mount bookcases horizontally (center). Also, you can transform a bookshelf into a bench by adding a cozy cushion and wooden furniture feet (right). [Better Homes & Gardens]

Nesting Place

Accent pieces don't have to be expensive to be beautiful. Add instant style to a room with this dramatic DIY sunburst mirror. Folded poster board, mirror and glue are the main materials used to create the pretty display. [Nesting Place]

Charles & Hudson

Think you can't paint bathroom tile? Think again. Using Glidden's Gripper Primer, the folks at Charles & Hudson easily upgraded dated dandelion tiles with a modern, high-gloss finish. [Charles & Hudson]

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Everyday Items Reimagined - DIY Links

Cheryl Thompson — 2011-02-25T12:15:00 00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Home Offices, Living Spaces, Crafts & Celebrations

DIY projects don't need to be elaborate, back-breaking endeavors. Check out simple projects from around the web that repurpose everyday items into something fabulous.

Curbly

A beautiful headboard can make a big impact to any room. While there are plenty of store-bought options at your disposal, you can easily make your own headboard out of everyday materials. Wood, paint, upholstered panels, and doors are some of the many items you can use to craft grand headboards. [Curbly]

Apartment Therapy

Wooden pallets -- those flat, portable platforms used to transport goods -- are one of the most readily available, inexpensive DIY materials. Simply visit a local pallet company, and you can pick up hundreds of these platforms free. They can then be used to craft a unique, rustic wall. The process is simple, consisting of separating the wood planks from the pallets and using nails or glue to attach each plank onto the wall. [Mom and Her Drill via Apartment Therapy]

Apartment Therapy

For some it's hard to wrap their head around this concept: you don't need to spend a lot of money for statement furniture pieces. These plain, affordable IKEA cabinets are given a new look with an easy wallpaper application. [Apartment Therapy]

ShelterPop

For most homes, a desk is an essential piece of furniture. Before you buy one, check out creative ways you can craft a custom-make desk. ShelterPop features three DIY desks created from floating shelves, bookcases and cinderblocks (yes, the same cinderblocks you used in college). [ShelterPop]

Martha Stewart

Brighten up a room with mirrored furniture that won't break the bank. Upgrade a coffee table or end table by topping them with custom-cut mirror glass. [Martha Stewart]

Better Homes & Gardens

Take your bowls out of the kitchen and into the bedroom with these charming pendant lamps. Drill a hole in the bottom of the bowls and insert a halogen accent light. Use grosgrain ribbon and bows to dress up the cord. [Better Homes & Gardens]

Young House Love

Save money on artwork by painting large canvases with interior latex paint. This is an inexpensive way to add a splash of color to bland to walls. [Real Simple]

Young House Love may take top prize for best 15-minute DIY project. The adorable couple, Sherry and John, crafted a chic side table from a luggage rack and faux leather tray. Using a stroke of genius they attached the tray to the luggage rack with simple Command removable adhesive strips. [Young House Love]

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DIY Links: Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gifts

Cheryl Thompson — 2011-02-11T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Holidays, Crafts & Celebrations

Haven't picked out a Valentine's Day gift yet? No sweat. Celebrate your love with these last-minute homemade gift ideas from around the web.

Apartment Therapy

Get back to basics this Valentine's Day with a simple arrangement of flowers, but punch them up with creative packaging. Turn recycled plastic and glass bottles into colorful vases with nothing more than primer, paint and ribbon. Then head back to grade school and craft a homemade card out of construction paper. Do you like me? Check yes or no. [Apartment Therapy]

Martha Stewart

These stamped soaps add a touch of romance to any shower. Just like those iconic candy conversation hearts, each soap heart features a personalized message you can create with metal letter stamps. Dare we suggest, "Wash You Up in My Love"? [Martha Stewart]

Nate Berkus

Don't let the bling fool you, magnet brooches are inexpensive and easy to make. You can turn your old jewelry into chic, decorative magnets by simply using a wire cutter and glue. Remove the pin hardware and add a magnet with a glue gun or Gorilla Super Glue. These magnets are the perfect touch of love for your sweetheart's fridge. [Nate Berkus]

Real Simple

One man's trash is your sweetie's treasure. Random household items make for cute greeting cards, such as the pictured sponge, dead AAA batteries ("I get a charge out of you") and stray keys ("the key to my heart"). Couple your DIY cards with custom candy hearts made with the help of food-coloring markers. [Real Simple]

Country Living

Repurpose an old frame into a message board. Add photos, nostalgic items and messages of love. [Country Living]

Crafts by Amanda

Use egg cartons, paint and cupcake liners to make these cute lollipops treats. This is an excellent DIY project to complete with the kids this weekend. [CasaSugar via Crafts by Amanda]

Instructables

Sometime's a store-bought card can't convey how you feel. For these moments, grab an X-Acto knife to carve any message your heart fancies. Instructables has step-by-step instructions to create a cutout card that says it all. [Instructables]

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Prevent a Roof Collapse: Remove Ice and Snow

Cheryl Thompson — 2011-02-08T14:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Exteriors & Facades, Outdoors

Accumulating snow and ice may be pushing your roof to its breaking point. Avoid a roof collapse by taking these preventative measures.

A roof piled high with heavy snow and ice runs the risk of caving in. Photo: Bochalla, Flickr

Heavy snow and ice accumulation, coupled by a wave of roof collapses, have left residents of the Northeast rushing to remove enough snow before their rooftops give way. The demand is so great that snow removal tools like roof rakes have become winter's version of Tickle Me Elmo -- a hot commodity flying off of stores shelves.

With the threat of more snow on the horizon, state emergency officials across the region are urging people to clear their roofs and decks to minimize the likelihood of structural collapse. To prevent major damage, as well as save big bucks and stress, here's a breakdown of winter roof protection.

Dangers of Snow-Covered Roofs
Picturesque snow-capped houses are charming, but don't be fooled by their delicate beauty. Snow has a great deal of weight, and that weight increases immensely when rain, ice and sleet are added to the mix. Two feet of snow on the average-sized roof can be the equivalent of 38,000 pounds, or 19 tons, NBC News reports. All of this weight puts stress on your roof and weakens its structure.

Complicating matters more, the melting of this mass can cause water seepage, which can rot roofs, destroy insulation, flood attics, ruin gutters and damage the interior of your home.

Before attempting to remove snow from roofs, take note that clearing roofs can be a dangerous task. Think twice before jumping on the roof with a shovel in hand. Most officials don't support the idea of people climbing onto their roofs to remove the buildup, as the weight of a person may be just enough to trigger the roof to collapse. Also, taking the wrong step on an icy roof can easily send you sliding down a slippery slope.

So above all, be careful! If you're afraid to DIY it, don't.

Sha-put-ski, Flickr

Warning Signs That a Roof Is About to Collapse

The obvious sign that a roof is about to give way is sagging. Also, if you hear creaking, cracking, popping sounds, you should get out of the building as quickly as possible, as these are strong indicators of an imminent collapse.

Severe roof leaks, bowed pipes attached at the ceilings, cracks in the walls or masonry, doors that pop open, as well as doors or windows that are difficult to open are also signs people should look for, according to the Providence Emergency Management Agency.

In addition to your roofs, take heed of decks. Often times they are DIY hacks and may not be up to coding standards. This makes them highly susceptible to collapse under the weight of the snow and ice.

How Do You Remove Snow from the Roof?

A roof rake has a long pole that enables you to scrape away layers of snow from the roof. Photo: AP

Once snow buildup occurs or ice dams forms, using a roof rake is the best option that doesn't require spending cash on a professional. The rake has an extended handle, which enables you to pull snow off the roof -- from the safety of the ground.

To remove snow and ice, start from the edge and work your way into the roof using downward strokes. Try to to scrape the snow along the bottom of the roof, shaving two or three inches off. There's no need to scrape the roof entirely clean, as this will risk damage to your roof shingles or other roof covering.

If you don't have a roof rake (or your local hardware store is sold out), follow these tips to create a DIY roof rake.

Metal snow rakes conduct electricity if they come into contact with a power line, so be careful. Also, avoid using a ladder when removing the snow; the ladder's rungs can freeze and cause you to slip. Instead of the ladder, buy extension poles or a longer rake to reach higher portions of the roof. While the average roof rake can be purchased for about $40, the Avalanche Snow Rake is pricier (around $120) and allows for easy removal of snow from high roofs.

How to Prevent Ice Dams

Photo: Scott Hamlin, Flickr

- Get snow off the roof before it can cause ice damage.
Ice dams typically form when snow on the roof starts to melt due to heat escaping from inside the home. The melted water runs down the roof, refreezes and clogs up gutters. As more snow melts, because the gutters are blocked, the water is forced to travel under the shingles and leak into the house.

- Add insulation to attic floors.
A well-insulated attic and well-ventilated roof will prevent heat from escaping, which in turn will protect the roof from conditions that cause ice dams.

- Clean your gutters bi-annually.
Blocked gutters and downspouts can cause ice damns -- as well as rot and other water-based damage to your home. Before the first snow falls, clean your gutters to remove leaves, twigs and other debris that have collected through the fall. Perform this task again in the spring, to clean out the debris from winter.

- Keep gutters and drains free of ice and snow.
During winter months, make sure your downspouts are clean at ground level.

- Use pantyhose for a fast fix.
This Old House suggests filling the leg of a pair of pantyhose with chloride ice melter. Put the hose onto the roof so it overhangs the gutter. The calcium chloride will melt through the snow and ice and free up a channel for water to flow down into the gutters and off the roof.

SEE ALSO:
What to Do After a Blizzard
Ice Melters: Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Rock Salt
Snow Report: Fixes Winter Problems
Top Tips for Dealing With Snow [CasaSugar]
Fast Fixes for Ice Dams [This Old House]

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DIY Links: Super Bowl Party Ideas

Cheryl Thompson — 2011-02-04T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: entertaining, Living Spaces, Crafts & Celebrations

Ready, set, hut! It's Super Bowl time, so warm up for the big game with easy party tips and DIY projects from around the web.

Holidash

Get in the spirit with easy, inexpensive table decorations. Instead of going overboard with big and splashy décor pieces, opt for subtle DIY crafts that won't break your bank. Use decorative tape and stickers to turn your buffet table into a football field. [Holidash]

Unplggd

Don't fumble on game day! Whether you have a brand-new spanking model or an older set, a TV on the fritz will be quite the party buzz kill. For fuzzy or blurry screens, follow Unplggd's troubleshooting tips to pinpoint and fix the problem. [Unplggd]

Real Simple

From chili and dip recipes to directions on slicing avocados for guacamole, get everything you need to know to host the ultimate Super Bowl party. Have an oversupply of beer? Try cooking with it. These eight recipes will score you big points. [Real Simple]

For cash-strapped hosts, WalletPop has touchdown-worthy tips for throwing a Super Bowl party on the cheap. To really stretch your game-day dollars opt for house brands, fire up your popcorn popper and just say no to desserts. [Walletpop]

Go green for the championship game by hosting an eco-friendly bash. [Chico News & Review]

Can't leave the action for even a minute? If your idea of a dream bathroom includes a flat-screen TV and football-shaped tub, DIY Network is looking for you to design the "Ultimate Sports Bathroom." Post a comment detailing what your dream bathroom would include and you'll be entered to win a deluxe Bemis toilet seat for your bowl. [DIY Network]

With guests pouring in and loading up on food, there's a chance your toilet may start to act (and smell) a little fishy. Luckily, most clogged toilets can be fixed without calling a plumber. This Old House shows you how to diagnose and clear stubborn clogs in toilets, as well as kitchen sinks. [This Old House]

Apartment Therapy

Whip up extra seating that is sure to impress using folding chairs and upholstery materials. Crafting these chairs for your party only takes an hour of your time and $20 for each chair. Go the extra yard and outfit them in your favorite team's colors. [Apartment Therapy]

CasaSugar

Up for a challenge? Think outside the box and turn an old TV set into a swanky bar cart for your Super Bowl party. Grout, sewn curtains, recycled materials and MDF board can turn a piece of junk into a conversation starter. [CasaSugar]

My Home Ideas/Elle Decor

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. When the sun sets on Super Bowl Sunday, blend your souped-up television into your living room's décor using clever tricks. Hiding it behind decorative screens, hanging it as art, or disguising it at a piece of furniture are all easy DIY solutions. [ShelterPop]

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Cheap Ways to Heat Your Home

Cheryl Thompson — 2011-02-03T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Essential Skills, Know-How, Living Spaces

Brrr . . . it's cold out there! As winter temperatures continue to drop, your heating and electricity bills may be going through the roof. Stay warm on the cheap with a few strategic steps.

Feeling winter's chill? Conserve energy, save money and stay warm with these practical tips. Photo: AP

Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog may have proclaimed that spring isn't far away, but the huge winter blizzards paralyzing much of the United States beg to differ. Take for example the residents of Texas, where icy conditions and frigid temperatures forced power providers to implement rolling blackouts statewide.

This after a cold snap shut down 7,000 megawatts of power generators, and caused the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the state's power grid operator, to declare an energy emergency and beg customers to conserve energy.

While these power outages most likely will lead to a great deal of unhappy customers, it's an opportune time to learn strategic steps that will help you save energy (and lower your utility bills) during the cold winter months. Even with most of the country buried in snow and temperatures hovering around freezing, you can still reduce your energy consumption and keep your home warm. Here are a few energy conservation measures that are easy to implement:

- Open blinds and curtains during the daytime to take advantage of the sun's natural heat. Close them at night to reduce the chill and keep heat inside your home. You can also use insulated curtains, which are are specifically designed to keep warmth in and the cold out.

- Use a humidifier. Humidity holds heat, so raising the humidity level in your home will increase the temperature of your home by as much as 15 degrees. For a DIY humidifier, simmer water on the stove. Or after taking a bath, leave the warm water in the tub.

- Lower thermostats to 68 degrees or less. When you are asleep or out of the house, turning your thermostat down 10-15 degrees for eight hours can shave 10 percent off your winter heating bills. There's no need to waste heat when you're not at home!

Photo: CasaSugar

- Weatherproof your home. Seal up the drafty openings in your windows and doors with weatherstripping or draft blockers. Attach door sweeps to the bottom of your doors to create an air block between the door and threshold.

Photo: Getty Images

- Make your fireplace more efficient. Wood-burning fireplaces do more for aesthetics than they do for actually heating your home. A significant amount of your home's heat is lost through the chimney, along with your hard-earned money. Maximize the efficiency of a fireplace by installing glass doors, which will help prevent heated air from escaping through the chimney. Make sure the chimney damper is closed when the fireplace is not in use. Also, installing a fireback in your fireplace will reflect heat into the room (instead of sending it up the chimney).

Layering up is an inexpensive way to stay warm during the winter months. Photo: NY Times

- Layer up. The best way to stay warm is to dress warm, even if that means wearing a hat inside. A great deal of body heat escapes through the head, so a hat will go a long way in keeping you cozy. Also employ undershirts in your wardrobe ensembles, as well as sweatshirts over long-sleeve shirts, and wear wool socks to keep your feet warm. Throw on a blanket, or even a better a Snuggie. According to the NY Times, one out of every 12 Americans owns a Snuggie; join this toasty, warm crowd.

- Use rugs and carpets in your home. Rooms with wall-to-wall carpeting have better insulation. If you have hardwood floors, use area rugs in the winter to prevent cold air from seeping up through the floor. Also, place dark-colored rugs in sunny areas of your house to absorb more of the sun's heat.

- Close unused rooms. Instead of heating rooms you rarely use, closed off these rooms and shut the heater vents located in them.

- Cuddle up. Baby, it's cold outside, so invite everyone over to stay warm. Body heat is nature's radiator, and the more people in your home the warmer it will be.

SEE ALSO:
Home Heating Mistakes
How to Make Your Fireplace More Efficient (Lifehacker)
7 Ways to Stay Warm on the Cheap (Wisebread)

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DIY Links - Winter Home Projects

Cheryl Thompson — 2011-01-28T11:45:00 00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Makeovers & Inspiration, Storage & Organization, Know-How

Trapped inside due to the snow? Bummed about a weekend without football? Channel your restlessness into winter home projects from around the web.

Photo: CasaSugar

A drafty home can easily hike up your heating bill, but you have the power to keep the cold air out and your utility bills low. Seal up the leaky doors and windows in your home by crafting draft blockers (pictured), applying weatherstripping or using heavy-duty plastic to combat the chill. [CasaSugar]

Photo: Apartment Therapy

By now you may have lapsed on some of your New Year's resolutions. But if organization was on your to-do list, you can rebound this weekend with a neat and tidy bedroom. Try doable projects to clean your mattress, clear the dust, organize your closet and freshen up your bedroom's style. No matter if you have 10 minutes or a whole weekend, learn the tricks that will tame the chaos once and for all. [Apartment Therapy]

Photo: The Kitchn

Replacing an old faucet fixture is one of the easiest ways to give your bathroom or kitchen a brand-new look on a tight budget. Plus, the installation process won't leave a mess behind. From contemporary to tradition, there is a wide-range of faucet finishes and styles to satisfy your design tastes. [The Kitchn]

MoShotz, Flickr

Leaky faucet driving you crazy? Or maybe it's the clanking, squeaking sounds or blurting water flow? Popular Mechanics has the secrets to fixing bad-tempered faucets without calling a plumber. [Popular Mechanics]

Photo: This Old House

After you've tackled that leaky faucet, turn your attention to fixing the nonstop trickling sound from your toilet. A runny toilet wastes gallons of water each day, but luckily, there's an easy fix. Use this guide to identify and eliminate the problem before it burns a hole in your wallet. [This Old House]

Photos: Copyright CICO Books, 2010

Make your weekend a productive one by transforming an old chest of drawers into a stylish showpiece. ShelterPop's easy-to-follow instructions will have you sanding, painting and switching out old drawer pulls like a pro. [ShelterPop]

Photo: Houzz

Sometimes a can of paint is all you need for a big impact. Paint the back of a cabinet or built-in unit to add a shot of color to any room. Take off a few cabinet doors for colorful open shelving. [Houzz]

Photo: Real Simple

With the Super Bowl only a week away, now is not the time to drop the ball on your TV display. From recessed shelving to open cabinets, build the perfect media center that will give your party guests perfect views of all the pigskin action. [Better Homes & Garden]

Over time, small cracks may show up on your home's wall surfaces. They're not pretty, but thankfully there's an easy way to repair. Scoop Spackle on a putty knife to cover the cracks. Once dry, sand the surface, and apply a coat of primer and paint. According to Real Simple, a pro would charge you $75 to complete this project. DIY it and it will only set you back $9.50 for supplies. [Real Simple]

Don't give up on bathroom tile that's old, dirty and grimy. Fight icky mildew buildup by re-grouting your bathroom tile. [The Nest]

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Emergency Preparedness: How Ready Are You?

Cheryl Thompson — 2011-01-27T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Essential Skills, Know-How, Living Spaces

If disaster struck and you had mere moments to flee your home, what would you do first? Our writer learned a major lesson about emergency preparedness and how to bridge the gap between saving your valuables and saving your own life.

If your home were on fire, how long would it take you to get out? Photo: Corbis

What is the first thing you should do if you're at home when an emergency strikes? It's a question that anyone who has been in a routine school fire drill should be able to answer. Not only have I been through countless fire drills, but I was also an award-winning school safety patrol (yes, I won awards for it). Surely, I'd know just what to during a home emergency...right?

The other day, I was faced with just such a scenario. A unit in my apartment building had caught fire and firefighters were evacuating the building. Here's what I proceeded to do in the moments that followed:

1. Throw my laptop and computer accessories in a bag. (It's my lifeline.)

2. Grab my purse and wallet, and slowly contemplate if I need to bring my checkbook. (Some decisions take time to make.)

3. Scan the room for my gloves and hat. (Not a fan of freezing.)

4. Wonder if I should take Vasquez, my plant. (Yes, I've named my plant.)

5. Realize that I would most likely perish in an epic tragedy if this fire were in my own apartment. (Most likely? Let's be honest, certainly.)

Much to my embarrassment, I learned from this experience that I lack serious emergency preparedness skills. But it's not so easy to just walk away and leave everything you own behind. It brings up that classic question, "If your house were on fire and you could only grab one thing, what would it be?" So I called up a few experts to ask what I could have done differently, and what you should do to prepare for an emergency situation that requires immediate evacuation.

I first contacted Christine Hansen, an American Red Cross spokeswoman in Washington. She stated what should have been obvious to me: that the first and most important thing to do is to "get out, stay out and call 911. Everything is replaceable except for you." I knew as much back when I was a school safety patrol. But as an adult, I'd lost lost sight of this basic survival skill.

Luckily, the emergency in my case was just a small grease fire that was nowhere near my actual apartment. While I wasn't in serious danger, I couldn't stop thinking about how I could have bridged the gap between saving my own life and wasting time while trying to save my valuables.

Whether your home emergency is a fire, a hurricane, a debilitating snowstorm, or even a flood, I've assembled some expert advice on what you need to take and where you need to keep it all in the event that you have to grab it and run. Hopefully you'll never find yourself in a situation that requires follow-through, but at least you can have some peace of mind knowing you'll be prepared, just in case.

Photo by Cezary Borysiuk, Flickr

Prepare an Emergency Kit
In most emergencies -- floods, earthquake, fire - you often need to flee the house with short notice. It's smart to have an emergency kit at home that you can easily access and carry out a moment's notice. Hansen recommends that the kit include first aid supplies, tools, flashlights, medication, photo copies of prescriptions, cash, sanitation items, clothing, blankets, formula, diapers and important family documents. "It's like planning a weekend trip," she says. "Pack whatever you'll need for a few days."

Hansen says to store the kit's contents in easy-to-carry containers, like backpacks or duffel bags, by your front door so that they're easy to grab and take with you on your way out. The best time to prepare a kit is in advance; that means now. Check out the American Red Cross's website for a complete list of items to include in your emergency kit.

Have Emergency Money
In an emergency, cash is king. ATMs may not be accessible, so make sure to pack small bills in your emergency kit.

Getty Images

Digitize Important Documents
Living in a digital state of mind makes it easier to corral important documents and preserve sentimental items such as wedding photos. For your emergency kit, scan important documents like insurance cards, photos IDs, tax returns and other vital items related to your finances and health. Also scan birth certificates, social security cards, house and car deeds, and passports so that you'll have digital copies in addition to the paper ones. Save these items on a flash drive. Keep the orignials and the flash drive in waterproof/fireproof packaging within your emergency kit.

It sounds crazy to scramble for family photos in the event of true disaster, but these items do mean a great deal to us. Preserve your photos by regularly scanning them and uploading them to online photo storage sites such as Kodak Gallery and Picasa. With pictures online, you can easily retrieve and reprint them after you've settled down post-emergency.

Thanks to the ubiquity of social media sites like Facebook and Flickr, many people are already in the habit storing and displaying photos online. Flickr, just one of a number of popular photo sites, has 130 million photos uploaded to the site each month. Over 100 million photos are uploaded to Facebook daily. Take advantage of these valuable photo storage tools -- as well as their privacy settings.

Photo by Ktylerconk, Flickr

Practice Emergency Exit Drills
Although making a plan to save your valuables is important, it's even more crucial to create a plan to save your life and lives of your family members and pets. This plan should include an escape route, a meeting place where everyone will gather once they're out of the house (just in case you get separated from your kids, for instance), and how to coax pets to safety.

Remember that fire drills aren't just for shools and other public institutions; you should conduct them at home too. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year. Hansen says that drills should include all household members, including pets. "It's important to do drills and evacuation practice with your pets so that they will get used to getting out the door with you during emergencies."

FEMA strongly advises pet owners to never leave their pets behind during an evacuation, as it's most likely they will not be able to survive on their own. If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, never leave them chained outside. Place them in a safe area inside with room to roam, food and plenty of water. Place a notice outside your home, noting that pets are inside the house.

Keep Your Purse and/or Wallet Handy
Get in the habit of storing your purse or wallet in the same place all the time when you're at home. This way you won't have to scramble for it in the event of an emergency evacuation or fire. "Keep it by the front door so that you can grab it on your way out," advises Hansen.

Take Inventory of Your Home
Obviously, you won't be able to store everything you own in your handy emergency kit. Save copies of your home inventory in your email storage, as well as include a copy in your kit. This will help you file a claim with your insurance company and get money to replace everything you lost.

SEE ALSO:
Most Homes Have Poor Fire Protection
How to Stop a House Fire Before It Starts
Emergency Disaster Home Kit [Apartment Therapy]

Check out this video for more on how to be prepared for an emergency!

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DIY Links: Faux Projects for the Home

Cheryl Thompson — 2011-01-21T13:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Know-How, Crafts & Celebrations

If you're one of those homeowners who has champagne dreams on a beer budget, check out these faux DIY projects we found around the web. They all look as good as the real thing.

Photo: Signed by Tina

Love the look of upholstered furniture? This chic IKEA Besta hack shows that you can mimic the look of upholstery easily without the use of fabric or staple guns. That's right, to faux-upholster, all you need are the nails! Trace a pattern and hammer away. [Ikea Hacker via Signed by Tina]

Photo: Left, Apartment Therapy; Right, Caitlin Creer Interiors

Wallpaper can be a big headache to put up, and a bigger pain to take down. Enter instant wallpaper, otherwise known as tape. Yep, the sticky stuff you use for small crafts and wrapping paper can create spectacular wall stripes, geometric patterns and much more. The best part? It's inexpensive and easy to do away with when you're ready to move on to something new. [ShelterPop]

Photo: Nate Berkus

An alligator table can set you back thousands of dollars, but you can duplicate its luxurious looks for much less. Simply use a hot gun to attach faux-alligator skin matting to the bottom of a serving tray. Pair the tray with foldable legs -- and voila! [Nate Berkus]

Photo: HGTV

Similarly, you can update a bathroom vanity with a faux-crocodile look using vinyl wallpaper. [HGTV]

Photo: This Old House

It's been said time and time again that a simple coat of paint is the easiest and cheapest way to upgrade a room. But why settle for simple? With a little elbow grease, these faux painting techniques can give your walls the grand look of wood grain, linen, plaster and more. [DIY Network]

Photo: DIY Network

Get the look of marble for less using a decorative painting technique. To update an old dresser or table with a "marble" top, you'll need latex and acrylic paint, and a sponge to apply. Dab and smear the paint to create the marble effect. Finish with a coat of high-gloss polyurethane to protect the surface and give it a posh shine. [DIY Network]

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DIY Links: Easy, Low-Cost Weekend Projects

Cheryl Thompson — 2011-01-14T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Living Rooms, Dining Rooms, Small Spaces, Living Spaces, Crafts & Celebrations

Is your bank account drained from holiday spending? This week, we're spotlighting DIY crafts and projects from around the web that won't bust your budget.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Have a table that has seen better days? You may feel that a lost leg and an array of scratches and nicks make it a candidate for the local dump, but think again. Cut off the side of the table with the bum leg and you've got yourself an eye-catching console! Click the link to for instructions. [Martha Stewart]

Photo: DIY Network

During the month of January you can find the lowest prices on flooring material. So take advantage of bargain-basement deals with a DIY floor project. Installing a prefinished hardwood floor is one of the easiest routes to take, as you avoid the extra work of sanding, staining and finishing -- all necessary evils of installing traditional hardwood. Here are step-by-step instructions to install prefinished wood floors yourself. [DIY Network]

Photo: Nate Berkus

Instead of spending money on new throw pillows, simply upgrade old ones using cable knit sweaters you picked up from a thrift store (or old ones you own but never wear anymore). With the pillow insert factored in, this project should cost under $20! [Nate Berkus]

Photo: Unplggd

Are your A/C and heating units an eyesore? With some plywood and a box of laminate flooring, you can turn an ugly unit into a trendy landing strip. Or build a beautiful mirrored frame to conceal it. Check out 10 DIY solutions to hide these units. [Unplggd]

Photo: Instructables

Reach for the stars with this spectacular DIY fiber optic star map. This indoor representation of the twinkling night sky is amazingly constructed from fabric, a fiber optic Christmas tree, LEDs, wire, and heat shrink tubing. [Instructables via Lifehacker]

Are you ready for some football? The NFL playoffs are heating up this weekend, and Holidash has the crafts that will score a touchdown with your tailgating guests. [Holidash]

Vintage Revivals; Remodel This House

Metallic accent furniture can be the perfect touch of glam, but the prices are often less than attractive. Instead of buying expensive metallic pieces, use some modpodge and aluminum foil to update a piece of furniture you already own. [Vintage Rivals]

Turn inexpensive clear vases into antiqued mercury glass. Just use silver leaf and glaze for a result that looks elegant and worldly. [Remodel This House]

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Cooking Spray - Unusual Uses

Cheryl Thompson — 2011-01-13T11:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Essential Skills, Know-How

Want to harness the power of cooking spray? Think outside the kitchen! There are many clever, budget-friendly ways to use cooking spray all around the house.

Photo: Purpleairplane, Flickr

Since it hit the market in 1959, cooking spray has evolved into a kitchen cupboard staple. But if you're only spritzing this stuff to cut calories or prevent food from sticking to pans, you're missing out on a valuable household tool. Yep, the same stuff you use to make breakfast in the morning can help you shovel snow in the afternoon and unstick a door lock that night. Read on for the many ways cooking spray can make your life a little easier.

OUTSIDE THE HOUSE

Photo: imchaudhry, Flickr

Shovel snow with ease.
Shoveling snow can be a hard and tedious work. Make the job a little easier by coating your snow shovel with cooking spray. After spraying both sides of the shovel liberally, the ice and snow will slide right off the oily surface. If you use a snow thrower, spray the inside of the discharge chute to prevent it from clogging and make the snow fly out effortlessly.

Prevent grass from sticking.
Mowing the lawn easy compared to the dreary task of removing stuck grass from a lawnmower's blades. To keep grass clippings from sticking, spray the mower's blades and undercarriage with cooking spray before you begin cutting the grass.

Unstick a door lock.
If you have trouble with a sticky lock, spray the key with cooking spray and slide the key in and out of the lock a few times.

Prevent door locks from freezing.
Don't be left out in the cold. Spray exterior door locks liberally to prevent them from freezing when temperatures plummet. For a mailbox door, spray the inside rim and the lock to prevent frost from forming.

Lubricate your bicycle chain.
A few sprays of nonstick cooking spray will fix a creaky or sticky bike chain. Make sure to spray lightly and wipe off the excess. Also, you can lubricate roller skate and wheels with cooking spray to make them turn better.

Cast your fishing line easier and farther.
Don't forget the cooking spray when you go fishing! Spray your fishing line and it will cast effortlessly and get more distance.

Make that sled fly with cooking spray! Photo: Getty Images

Sled faster. Want to go downhill faster? You're just a few sprays away from the Winter X Games. Coat the bottom of your sled or inner tube to hit the slopes with great speed.

Take off a wetsuit. Surfs up, dude! After conquering big waves, surfers can take of wetsuits easier by spraying their wrists and ankles with cooking spray first.

INSIDE THE HOUSE

Quiet squeaky doors.
Door squeaks driving you crazy? Like WD-40, you can use cooking spray to silence those squeaks. Spritz the hinge with nonstick cooking spray. Use a paper towel to wipe up the excess drips.

Greasy mess? Cut through it with cooking spray. Photo: Getty Images

Remove paint and grease.
There's no need to use harsh chemicals to remove paint and grease from your hands. Cooking spray cleans oil-based primers and paint right off. Spray hands liberally, work in well and rinse. Wash hands again with soap and water.

Dry nail polish.
Set your manicure fast by lightly misting painted nails with cooking spray. The cooking spray also provides for a nice moisturizer.

Fight soap scum.
Coat shower door with a thin layer of nonstick cooking spray. Wait a few minutes and wash off with soap and water. This oil in the cooking spray dissolves the soap scum buildup and lime deposits.

INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CAR

Photo: Bryn Pinzgauer, Flickr

Clean car wheels.
Brake dust -- the black debris that accumulates on the wheels of your car -- is produced every time you hit the brakes and the pads wear against the brake disks. And as most car owners know, brake dust is a pain to clean off. Next time you've scrubbed your wheels clean, spritz cooking spray on them. The next time when break dust collects on them, you'll be able to wipe it right off.

Remove bugs from your car.
Dead, smashed bugs on your car's grille or bumper are a common (and disgusting) sight. Luckily, you can spritz your car with nonstick cooking spray and just wipe away those insects. Plus, the cooking spray gives your car's surface a nice shine.

Keep car doors from freezing shut.
The rubber gaskets that run along the inside of car doors are what cause doors to freeze shut. Before temperatures drop, spray the rubber gaskets to prevent freezing.

Photo: Noii, Flickr

IN THE KITCHEN

Grate cheese easier.
Coat your cheese grater with nonstick cooking spray for smoother grating. This will also make cleanup a breeze, as you don't have to spend time removing stubborn chunks of cheese from the grater's crevices.

Create nonstick measuring tools.
When you use measuring cups to measure sticky foods like honey, you usually have to use a spoon (or your fingers) to get it all out. Coat measuring cups and utensils with cooking spray so the ingredients will slide right off. Also, spray your rolling pin or cookie cutters to prevent dough from sticking.

Fight food stains.
Sauces and stews can leave permanent stains in your Tupperware containers. Prevent this by coating the bottom of plastic storage containers with cooking spray before you pour in food, such as tomato or pasta sauce.

SEE ALSO:
Choose the Right Lube or Oil for Any Job (Popular Mechanics)
The Best Homemade Cleaning Solutions (ShelterPop)
Battle Oil Stains and Win (CasaSugar)

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Wood Floors: Fixing, Cleaning and Maintaining

Cheryl Thompson — 2011-01-07T13:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Living Rooms, Essential Skills, Know-How, Living Spaces

Wood floors are a sound investment -- but over time scratches, scuffs and squeaks can dull out their shining good looks. Check out cleaning tips and fixes to touch up floors without calling the pros.

With a proper upkeep, you can maintain beautiful wood floors for years to come. Photo: National Wood Flooring Association

From a classic oak or maple to an exotic acacia or Brazilian cherry, wood floors add envious glamour to any home. While carpet is a popular go-to option for bedrooms, elegant wood floors still take first prize in other areas of the home. So much so that homes and apartments with hardwood floors often sell quicker and net more money. "Wood floors look rich, clean and are actually healthier," says Rusty Swindoll, assistant technical training director at the National Wood Flooring Association. "Compared to carpet, wood flooring is easier to clean, making it ideal for people who have allergies."

Beauty and convenience aside, wood floors certainly take a beating over time. High heels, foot traffic and pet accidents all threaten and damage polished flooring. We have solutions for all of the scuffs, scratches, indentations and wear that life throws at your beloved wood floors.

CLEANING WOOD FLOORS

Photo: Anderson Ross, Getty Images

Abrasive particles like dirt, sand or gravel gather on the surface of your wood floors, making them look dull and causing scratches. Mats, runners or area rugs placed near entryways help catch dirt where it enters. In fact, doormats can eliminate 80 percent of the dirt tracked inside a home.

To start, clean up food and water spills immediately. Then make sure to mop and vacuum frequently. Mop the floor with a cleaner especially made for the type of hardwood floors that you have installed. "If you use the wrong cleaner," Swindoll warns, "it won't adhere to the finish as well and could cause the floor to peel." Looking for a chemical-free approach? Invest in a steam cleaner. Or kick it up a notch with a combination vacuum/steam mop.

To protect the finish, never use silicone-based polish, cleaners that contain oil, wax or ammonia, or vinegar solutions to clean the floor, Swindoll advises. Vinegar may be the worst offender, as it contains acid that will dull out floors.

REMOVE STAINS FROM WOOD FLOORS

- Water spots: Water can cause white spots to form on a wood floor's finish. Apply a small amount of mineral spirits to an extra-fine steel wool pad and rub the spotted area in a circular motion.

- Food stains: Wipe the area with a damp cloth, then rub dry and wax.

Photo: a440, Flickr

PREVENT SCRATCHES
Place glides or pads on the bottom of furniture legs to prevent scratches, dents and other forms of damage on the floor finish. To keep wood floors looking their best, put down rugs and runners in high-traffic areas. Take care when moving heavy objects to avoid scuffing.

For an inexpensive, easy solution: slide socks onto chair and table legs so that they don't scratch the floor when moving furniture around. If you have pets, trim their nails or claws regularly so they don't damage the floor over time.

Use a soft-haired broom when sweeping floors to prevent scratching. If vacuuming, make sure to turn on the switch intended for flooring.

RUB OUT SCUFF MARKS
"Scuff marks clean right up," says Swindoll. "Use a little water and rub the scuffed area." For stubborn marks, you can spray a cloth with hardwood floor cleaner and lightly rub clean. Or gently stroke with an extra-fine steel wool pad.

REMOVE HEEL DENTS AND OTHER GOUGES
A beautiful stiletto heel can turn heads, but destroy your hardwood floors. To fix the pockmarks that pointy heels create -- as well as gouges left by furniture -- you may need to sand the floor down to the raw wood and refinish it, Swindoll says. Follow these steps to refinish wood floors.

Photo: ArcaHeradel, Flickr

REPAIR SCRATCHES
If your floor is the victim of scratches that don't penetrate all the way through the wood, you can repair it in a few hours. Known as a "pad and recoat," use a buffer to scuff-sand floors and apply a coat or two of wood finish. This process is easier and less expensive than sanding and refinishing.

You can rent a buffer from your local home center. After buffing and roughing up the surface, apply a polyurethane stain. Follow directions for recoat time. Generally, water-based stains need to be recoated in 3 hours; oil-based in 8 or more hours.

For minor scratches, there are a variety of ways to conceal scratches in wood floors. Here are a few quick and easy fixes:

- Grab a marker. Hide surface scratches by touching them up with a stain-filled marker.

- Rub the scratch with the edge of a quarter. If this doesn't conceal the scratch enough, rub a small amount of paste wax and buff it with a soft cloth.

- Walnuts are more than just a snack. Repair shallow scratches by rubbing shelled nuts on the surface. The natural oils in nuts help conceal the flaws.

- Spot sand it. Use extra-fine sandpaper or steel wool to gently buff scratched or chipped areas, then use a cotton swab or small paintbrush to restain wood.

Photo: Rust-Oleum

REVIVE DULL FLOORS
For floors that are lackluster or contain mere surface scratches, you can actually skip the sanding and simply recoat the wood. Refinishing kits, such as Varathane No-Sanding Floor Refinishing Kit, contain supplies to condition and refinish floors. Remember these kits are best for minor scuffs and scratches in the floor's finish -- not the wood itself. Extensive blemishes and deep-penetrating scratches will need to be sanded and refinished.

SILENCE SQUEAKY FLOORS
Squeaky floors make it hard for someone to sneak up behind you, but so ends their list of benefits. To silence squeaks, turn your attention to the subfloor, which acts as backing to hold the flooring in place. Secure the subfloor to wood flooring from below by driving screws at a slight angle. Use screws short enough not to break the surface of the face of the wood.

Another easy solution is a Counter-Snap Kit that utilizes a screwdriver bit, depth-control fixture and breakaway screws. When drilling, the screwhead automatically breaks off when you drive the screw to a certain depth. This will leave you with non-squeaky floors and undetectable screws.

Also, sprinkling talcum powder, baking soda or candle wax on floorboards can help quiet squeaky floors.

FIX GAPS BETWEEN FLOORBOARDS
Wood naturally expands. Gaps in between hardwood floorboards often occur due to the moisture levels in the wood and the air temperature in your home. Dry winter air and heating sucks out moisture, causing boards to shrink and gaps to form in the floor. Fix this problem by using a humidifier to control the air inside your home. "During the wintertime use a humidifier to add moisture to the wood," advises Swindoll. In the spring and summer, higher humidity levels will cause the wood to expand, closing the gaps.

Generally temperatures between 60 degrees and 80 degrees and a humidity level in the range of 35 to 55 percent is optimal for wood floors. These levels will help retain the proper moisture in the floor's wood fibers.

Another option for repair is to apply wood filler in the gaps. However, when the floor contracts and expands, the filler can easily pop out or fall into the gap. Thus wood filler is only a temporary fix and not an ideal option. If you find that a humidifier is not minimizing the gaps, it's best to call a professional for a lasting repair.

SEE ALSO:
What's So Great About Bamboo Flooring?
Remove Dried Paint From Wood Floors
Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning Hardwood Floors [ShelterPop]

Watch this video from our partner for more on hardwood floor care:

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DIY Links: Easy Storage Solutions

Cheryl Thompson — 2011-01-07T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Storage & Organization, Know-How

Make 2011 the year you finally get organized! Conquer clutter with these clever DIY projects from around the web.

Photo: ReadyMade

Organize Your Kitchen
A fresh coat of paint and a finished wood top transforms a set of metal file cabinets into a kitchen island. The ample storage will help you banish kitchen clutter. [ReadyMade]

Photo: Curbly

Organize your Finances
Create a workspace where you can get down to business. Start with a desk that has a sufficient work surface, as well as storage for supplies and files. A little paint, fabric and wallpaper can turn an old desk into a fabulous area you actually look forward to paying the bills in. [Curbly]

Photo: Yvestown

Organize Your Periodicals
IKEA's Expedit is truly a DIYer's dream. Not only is it a great storage solution, you can cleverly jazz it up and hack it to make it your own. [ShelterPop]

Photo: Martha Stewart

Organize Your Linens
Put the space under your bed to good use with rolling storage bins. Simply attach casters to a wooden box, drawer chest or wine crate to get these nifty organizers on the move. [Martha Stewart]

Photo: Popular Mechanics

Organize Your Hallway or Mudroom
Keep your coats, gloves and mail all within easy reach -- and never lose your keys again -- with a combination shelf and coat rack. Three cubbyholes and a line of hooks provide ample storage space for car keys, gloves, mail and more. Download the easy plans and build this hallway cabinet in just one weekend. [Popular Mechanics]

Organize Your Clothes
Envious of the perfectly folded sweaters at the mall? Luckily, using the Japanese folding technique, you can steal the look. This technique creates a crisp, professional fold on clothes in mere seconds. Soon enough you'll have an organized closet that rivals the pristine displays in any Gap store! [Apartment Therapy]

Organize on a Budget
Shelling big bucks on office supplies is not necessary to have an efficient, organized workspace. Inexpensive storage tools are all around you -- just take a look! Check out how you can organize with 20 basic household items. [Better Homes & Garden]

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DIY Links: Make It Yourself in 2011!

Cheryl Thompson — 2010-12-30T12:35:00 00:00

Filed under: Know-How, Crafts & Celebrations

Haven't you heard? 2011 is the year of small projects! Without breaking the bank, here are DIY projects from around the blogosphere that look just as great as anything bought in a store or installed by pros!

Photo: Seth Smoot

- Get a fresh start in 2011 with a simple DIY calendar. All you need is a few office supplies to construct this easy-to-make project. Jazz it up by covering the clipboard with chic decorative paper or wallpaper. [Holidash]

Photo: Apartment Therapy

- Fashioning a glamorous piece of furniture doesn't have to break the bank. An IKEA rug, a small bench and heavy duty staple gun are all you need for a dramatic bench that's ready for its close-up. [Apartment Therapy]

Photo: Poor Girl's Guide

- Spend your mornings detangling necklaces and searching for earrings you swore you owned? Make 2011 the year you get your trinkets under control. Turn your gems into decorative display and keep them tangle-free with this DIY tree branch jewelry holder. [Poor Girl's Guide]

Photo: CasaSugar

- Give me a P-O-M-S! These cheerleading staples have left the sidelines and transformed into playful décor for special occasions. Several Etsy shops sell floating or hanging pom-poms, but you can make your own tissue paper poms with great ease. [CasaSugar]

Photo: Remodelista

- Here's a bright idea: don't throw away an empty glass bottle, turn it into a lamp. [Remodelista]

Photo: This Old House

- Think you don't have enough space for a home office? Think again. You can turn an empty closet into a great office. (Really!) Trade hanging rods for shelves, which make for great storage and DIY desks. Add some low-cost organizers and you have a full-functioning workspace. [This Old House]

- The best part about winter weather is that it makes for great ice skating conditions. With some lumber, plastic liner and water - you won't have to travel far for a spin on the ice. Here's how to build your very own backyard ice skating rink. [Popular Mechanics]

- Wallpaper and paint aren't your only options for punching up a tired wall. Shelterpop gives you step-by-step instructions on decoupage wall art. [Shelterpop]

- An upholstered nailhead trim headboard is the perfect feminine touch for any boudoir. While they can run on the expensive side, a DIY version can be constructed for a fraction of the price. Centsational Girl shows you how to make your own headboard with a few supplies and a free afternoon. [Centsational Girl]

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New Year's Resolution 2011: Upgrade Your Home, Month by Month

Cheryl Thompson — 2010-12-27T09:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Storage & Organization, Holidays, Know-How, Crafts & Celebrations

No money? No problem. The Home Depot reports Americans will take on more budget-friendly projects in 2011. Use our DIY planner to map out a year's worth of small, affordable home projects.

From January to December, upgrade your home with these small projects. Photo: Getty Images

When it comes to home renovations, 2011 is the year to think small.

With a housing market that remains shaky and major remodeling projects on the decline, The Home Depot is endorsing the small projects movement.

At the company's annual conference for analysts and investors, The Home Depot reported an increase in revenue in 2010 and expects that Americans will increasingly prefer small home projects over major renovations. As a result, homeowners will opt for maintenance and repair projects that lower the operating costs of their home.

So in the upcoming year -- when small will be the new big -- how about putting a little DIY action on your list of New Year's resolutions? The concept is simple: do one small home improvement project each month for the whole year. To aid you on your quest, we've assembled 12 projects for you to tackle in 2011. Each one is easy and cost-effective to complete, and designed to add beauty and value to your home. Come year's end you'll have a brand-new home -- without an enormous hole in your wallet.

Photo: Shaw Flooring

JANUARY PROJECT: Install New Flooring
Are your carpets showing a little wear and tear? Have you always dreamed of having beautiful hardwood floors? Refinishing wood floors and replacing old carpet can reinvent a room without changing anything else. So kick-start your year with new flooring that is sure to wow (for less). January is the best time to take advantage of bargains. During this month you'll find the lowest prices on flooring material due to slow sales.

If you're looking to really stretch your budget, opt for laminate flooring. Plastic laminates look like wood floors, are easy to install and cost a few bucks per square foot. They are put together with a snap-and-groove system, which requires no nailing or gluing. The finished laminate is tough and resistant to stains, fading and most scratches. Other good options include peel-and-stick carpet tiles, pre-finished hardwood and engineered flooring.

DIY IT: Installing Laminate Flooring | Caring for Hardwood Floors

Photo: California Closets

FEBRUARY PROJECT: Get Organized
There's no need to scrimp and save for an extravagant renovation project like adding a second story. Simply clearing up the clutter in your home can double it in size. Maximize winter's down time by organizing your closets, drawers, garage, computer files and storage areas. Focus on one room at a time and schedule different rooms for different days. Utilize a good all-in-one copier/printer/scanner to digitize paper documents and eliminate mounds of paper clutter. Need budget storage? Wire shelving systems brings order to closets and garages -- without costing a bundle.

DIY IT:
Cabinets, Home Office, Kids' Room: Magic Tricks of Professional Organizers
Coat Closet: How to Organize Entryway Closet
Computer Files: Organize Your E-Clutter Like a Pro
Paper Clutter: Go Digital and Get Organized for Good
Drawers: Organize Junk Drawers
Closets: Customize Your Closet With Fiberboard Shelving Systems
Closets (Budget): Corral Clutter with Wire Shelving Systems
Garage: Get Garage in Tip-Top Shape

Photo: Corbis

MARCH PROJECT: Spring Cleaning
Don't be overwhelmed by the thought of spring cleaning. Breeze through the mess that winter has left behind by tackling it in a room-by-room fashion. Wash windows and floors; polish furniture; clean bathrooms; dust lightbulbs and light fixtures; tame clutter zones; and polish wood furniture. No time for a big scrubfest? Remember, you have a whole month -- so don't try to get all your spring cleaning done at once. Break it down and you can clean your home in just 10 minutes a day.

DIY IT: Spring Cleaning Tips

Photo: Getty Images

APRIL PROJECT: Clean Rain Gutters
Rain gutters carry away thousands of gallons of water from your house's exterior and foundation walls. But after a harsh winter of diverting rainwater and melted snow from the roof, your gutters are due for an inspection and cleaning before the heavy rains begin. Cleaning gutters is a simple DIY task and an important small project to complete, as blocked gutters and downspouts can cause rot and other water-based damage to your home. It's advisable to revisit this project late in the fall too when leaves, twigs and other debris have fallen and collected in gutters.

DIY IT: Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Photo: Steveritchie, Flickr

MAY PROJECT: Power Wash
Pressure washing is a fast and easy way to blast grime, mold and mildew off of your home's exterior, decks, driveways, and sidewalks. You can buy a pressure washer (they start at about $100 for the most basic model and run up to $1,000 for advanced versions) or rent one from a local home improvement store. Pressure washing is a potentially hazardous job, so stand at least three feet away from the surface you're cleaning. Make sure to avoid windows, light fixtures, and anything else that could break under the pressure. If you're not comfortable using the equipment, simply hose off the surface instead.

DIY IT: How to Use a Pressure Washer

Photo: Jupiter Images

JUNE PROJECT: Clean and Maintain Air Conditioning System
A properly maintained air conditioning system will run more efficiently, use less energy and lower your utility bills. For window air conditioning units, clean the filter and coils. Concerning central air conditioning units, it's highly recommended that you call a professional to inspect your system. In addition to pro help, you can DIY clean your system by replacing your air conditioner filters regularly; this will cut down significantly on dust and allergens in the home. Also, clean the condenser and evaporator coil in the unit.

DIY IT: Clean, Troubleshoot and Maintain Air Conditioning Systems

Photo: Klaus Tiedge/Corbis

JULY PROJECT: PAINT
A fresh coat of paint is the easiest and cheapest way to dramatically change a room's appearance. It not only adds to your home's appeal, it can even make it look cleaner. Plus, thanks to paints with low-volatile organic compounds (Low VOC paints), as well as no VOC paints, you can paint the walls in your home without inhaling that horrible paint smell. These eco-friendly paints don't produce the toxic fumes that traditional paints do.

Love the look of wallpaper or Venetian plaster, but short on cash? Get especially creative with wall stenciling or faux-painting techniques such as sponging, gingham, wood grain, strie, grasscloth, marble and more. Use painters' tapes to make elegant vertical stripes or casual horizontal stripes. Or simply paint a bold accent wall to bring drama to a room.

DIY IT: Make Your Own Paint | Decorative Painting Toolkit

Photo: Georgie Carpet Industries

AUGUST PROJECT: Deep Clean Carpets
After a messy winter and active summer, nearly a year's worth of spills, foot traffic, accidents and lively pets have taken a toll on your carpets. Give flooring a quality cleaning to remove dust, dirt and grime buildup that is embedded deep down in carpet fibers. Shampooing or deep cleaning your carpeting will give it a tidy appearance, as well as a fresh smell. Rent a carpet cleaner from a local home improvement or grocery store, or buy a professional-style model designed for home use.

DIY IT: Deep Clean Carpets

Photo: artgoeshere, Flickr

SEPTEMBER PROJECT: Repair the Roof
Roof shingles will eventually come loose in spots, so take advantage of the reasonable fall temperatures to inspect your roof for loose and damaged shingles. The harsh winds and cold winter weather can exacerbate shingles, potentially causing a small roof leak. Make sure to repair damage well in advance of the first snowfall.

DIY IT: How to Repair Roof Shingles

Photo: Mark Clement

OCTOBER PROJECT: Fall Lawn Repair
Your thoughts may be turning towards winter, but this is a time to actually start prepping for spring. To ensure a beautiful lawn next year, complete important yard work such as raking leaves, fertilizing, top dressing, and re-seeding in the fall.

DIY IT: How to Repair Your Lawn

Photo: ASurroca, Flickr

NOVEMBER PROJECT: Clean Fireplaces
With winter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to prepare your fireplace. Part of this preparation includes inspecting and cleaning the accumulation of soot, ashes and debris from your wood-burning, gas or electric fireplace. Doing this will assure safe and efficient heating of your home come winter.

DIY IT: Clean Fireplaces

Photo: Jolie Novak, AOL

DECEMBER PROJECT: Winterize Your Home
Old Man Winter is ready to roar and wreak havoc on your home and energy bills. Combat the chill by sealing gaps around door and windows with weatherstripping: an easy, inexpensive tool for sealing openings, staying warm, and reducing your heating bills.

DIY IT: Weatherstripping Doors and Windows

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DIY Links: Last-Minute Christmas Gifts and Decorations

Cheryl Thompson — 2010-12-24T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Holidays, Know-How, Crafts & Celebrations

If you saved holiday shopping and decorating for the last minute, you're in luck. Here are easy last-minute gifts and decorations you can whip up from items in your home, courtesy of our friends from around the web!

For the Mommas

Quick & Easy Movie Gift Basket
A gift basket with a movie theme is a cinch to pull together. Wrap cellophane around DVDs, microwave popcorn, candy, movie ticket coupons or theater gift certificates, and top off with ribbon. If you don't have cellophane handy, simply package items in an inexpensive wicker basket that you can get from the dollar store or your local Home Goods. Finish with a pretty bow and you have a top-notch gift -- thrown together in a flash. In addition to a movies, you can make last-minute gift baskets out of your beauty and grocery stockpile, such as pampering and coffee baskets. [For the Mommas]

Holidash

Creative Christmas Cookies
If they're good enough for Santa, trust a batch of delicious cookies will make for excellent gifts or treats to liven up a plain table. From Peppermint Meringues to Candy-Striped Cookie Sticks, spice up the holidays with these unique recipes. [Holidash]

The Nate Berkus Show

Coupon Book
Give the gift of savings with a homemade coupon book with clipped coupons the recipient can use for groceries, restaurant meals, travel, gasoline and more. Or you can fill the book with customized IOU coupons offering to shovel snow, make breakfast, pay for a dinner -- whatever you can dream up. [The Nate Berkus Show]

CasaSugar

Decorate with Food
From orange pomanders to glitter pears and candy cane treats, CasaSugar has rounded up chic, last-minute decorations you can make with items from the supermarket. For super-easy displays, accent floral arrangements with berries (pictured) or fill a glass bowl with festive ribbon candy. [CasaSugar]

Ohdeedoh

Simple Holiday Crafts
Do you have a pair of tube socks? If so, you're well on your way to creating an adorable snowman family. Check out four holiday crafts that don't require special skills or materials. [Ohdeedoh]

HGTV

Holiday Candles
A winter wonderland doesn't have to call for a lavish display. Create a snowy look by filling mason jars with Epsom salt and adding votive candles. Line a walkway or mantle with the jars for a special holiday glow. [HGTV]

Design*Sponge

Downloadable Holiday Tags
Forgot to buy gift tags? Head online to download and print these tags for all your gifts. Attach with ribbon or use sticker paper for adhesive labels. [Design*Sponge]

ReadyMade

Wreath Wrapped With String
Use everyday items like yarn and steel wool scrubbing pads to great an easy winter wreath. [ReadyMade]

MyHomeIdeas

Easy Gift Wrapping
Should you run out of wrapping paper or gift boxes, look no further than your recycling bin for an easy solution. A shoe box lined with shredded paper and wrapped with a paper bag provides for eco-friendly gift wrap. (You're saving money and the planet!) [MyHomeIdeas]

Instructables

Notepad Gift
Embellish a plain notepad with decorative paper, ribbon and buttons for an inexpensive DIY gift. Opt for faux croc paper for a touch of luxury. [Instructables]

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DIY Links: Holiday Gifts and DIY Knockoffs

Cheryl Thompson — 2010-12-17T12:45:00 00:00

Filed under: Holidays, Crafts & Celebrations

Enjoy the magical holiday season with Christmas crafts, homemade gifts and DIY home decor. Check out our favorite links around the blogosphere!

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Skip the mall madness and trim your tree with homemade ornaments! Salt dough ornaments are easy to DIY and can be crafted into any size or shape your heart desires. All you need to make the dough is salt, water and a little flour. Add a generous application of glitter for trinkets that are truly merry and bright! [Apartment Therapy]

Photo: Tony Soluri

Don't let a low-ceiling get you down. Before you break out the power tools to lower or hoist a ceiling, check out ShelterPop's easy DIY allusions and magic tricks to get the job done. Remember, seeing is believing. [ShelterPop]

Photo: Curbly

What's better than having a beautiful glass chandelier in your home? Getting one for a fraction of the price! Thanks to crafty instructions, there's no need to buy when you can DIY. Using cord sets from IKEA and $2 glass bubble balls, you can make a trendy chandelier - for only $70. [Curbly]

Photo: Design*Sponge

If you're still scrambling for a Christmas gift, warm up to the idea of chocolate. Make someone's holiday with a hot chocolate-themed gift basket. Check out Design*Sponge for homemade recipes and instructions for one tasty present. [Design*Sponge]

Photo: ReadyMade

Staying in the food category, homemade vanilla extract also makes an excellent gift that recipients can enjoy all year long. Plus, it's budget-friendly and takes only 10 minutes to whip up. [ReadyMade]

Photo: Young House Love

Folding screens can hide objects you wish to conceal, divide an area, as well as add a pop of color to plain walls. While store-bought screens can cost $100 to upwards of $300, you can construct one yourself on the cheap with bi-fold doors. See how the Young House Love couple created a folding screen for only $32. [Young House Love]

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Get Rid of Static Electricity

Cheryl Thompson — 2010-12-15T12:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Essential Skills, Know-How

Static electricity can be a major nuisance, especially in winter when the air is drier. We've got a variety of homemade solutions to help you get rid of static electricity, electric shocks, and hair that stands on end.

Photo: Shawn Hoke Photography, Flickr

It's the reason why your hair is a frizzy mess, your clothes look disheveled, and you get a shock each time you reach for a doorknob. Static electricity can be embarrassing and literally a pain that wreaks havoc during the winter months. When the air is dry, static cling is everywhere.

What Is Static Electricity?
Static occurs when electric charges accumulate on an object's surface; this is commonly a result of two materials that are moving apart or rubbing together. For example, rub your feet across a rug, then reach out to touch a doorknob or nearby person. That zap you feel? A charge of static electricity. Very dry air and cold weather increases static electricity, so static shock takes place more often in the winter when the air is especially dry.

How to Get Rid of Static
While there are commercial products available to eliminate static cling, such as Static Guard, there are also many homemade solutions to reduce this winter irritation. Here's how to control static electricity all around you.

IN THE HOME

- Humidifier: Raising the humidity level in your home via a humidifier will reduce random static shocks, static cling and static in your hair. The water particles in the humid air will break up static charge quicker. More humidity in your home will also limit electric shocks around computers and electronics, which can cause serious damage.

- DIY humidifier: For a budget-friendly humidifier, simply simmer water on the stove. Throw in a spice like cinnamon or citrus rinds and you'll also get an inexpensive air freshener.

- Bring in nature: Incorporate indoor plants and bowls of water around the house to add moisture to your home.

ON CLOTHES

Fabric softener, the same laundry product that keeps clothes from clinging, can prevent static electricity buildup in cars, carpets and your hair. Photo: Getty Images

- Dryer sheets: Stop static electricity where it starts by throwing in fabric softener sheets or dryer balls in the machine along with your clothes. This will minimize the fabrics' contact with one another. Already dressed? For a quick fix, simply rub dryer sheets over the clothes you're wearing to remove static cling. These sheets will also neutralize the electric charge in your hair. (Bonus: You'll end up smelling like fresh laundry.)

- Damp washcloth or towel: Placing a damp cloth in the dryer during the last 10-20 minutes of the cycle will help prevent the air from becoming too dry.

- Wire hanger: Glide the long side of a wire or metal hanger over your clothes to remove static electricity.

- Lotion: After a shower or bath, add moisture to your body. The lotion will act as a barrier and prevent static electricity from building up. Rub lotion on your hands, legs and even a small amount to your hair. Then gently rub your clothes to diffuse shocks directly there as well.

- Hairspray: Spritz hairspray on apparel that tends to be affected by static cling, such as areas on skirts, pants, pantyhose, tights or socks.

- Homemade Static Guard: According to to Joey Green, author of Joey Green's Fix-It Magic, mixing one cap full of Downy fabric softener in a spray bottle filled with water will give you the DIY version of Static Guard. Spray the mixture on affected areas of clothing.

ON CARPETS

Photo: Paul Mullet, Flickr

- Homemade Static Guard: Sometimes there can be an immense about of static electricity charge in carpets, so much that you'll receive an electric shock every time you touch someone or something metal. To reduce the static and prevent shocks, the same mixture used on clothes can be applied to carpets. Shake mixture and lightly spray over the carpet.

IN HAIR

Photo: StarMama, Flickr

- Use conditioner: The combination of dry winter air and indoor heating often equates to a style-resistant, frizzy mess of static hair. Charles Igergan, stylist and salon owner in a Chicago -- an area known for its harsh, cold winters -- highly suggests stepping up your conditioning routine. "Every couple of weeks, use an intensive conditioning mask," says Ifergan. Using a rich conditioner will add moisture and reduce the static in your hair.

- Avoid wool hats: Wool generates friction, and as a result produces static electricity. Opt for cotton or cashmere headgear, or wear a satin bonnet underneath your wool cap to reduce hat hair.

- Brush it away: Spray hairspray or leave-in conditioner in a brush and comb it through your hair. Switching from a nylon or synthetic brush to one with boar bristles will also de-electrify runaway strands.

- Finishing products: Adding a few drops of silicone-based serum or conditioning oil to your styling routine will create a barrier that eases the electrical charge in your hair.

- Fabric softener sheets: These handy static-fighters are prime for taming flyaway strands, especially if you have fine hair and fear excess styling products. Slide a sheet over hair to get static under control.

IN THE CAR

- Clothes: To keep down static electricity, opt to wear natural fibers like cotton in the winter instead of synthetics like nylon or polyester. Synthetic fabric sliding along car seats can generate a substantial charge leading to those annoying static shocks.

- Fabric softener sheets: Once again, these handy sheets come to the rescue. Rub car seats with a dryer sheet every couple of weeks to reduce static cling and shocks.

- Metal: When exiting the the car, touch the handle before you slide across the seat. This will break up the charge instead of letting it build up. Also, before you enter the car, touch the metal door handle first with your keys or some other metal object. This technique will transfer the shock from metal to metal -- and you won't feel a thing. The "metal to metal" strategy can also be applied to household objects, such as doorknobs and kitchen towel racks using keys or silverware.

SEE ALSO:
Energy Savings: Dryers and Washers
20 Uses for Used Dryer Sheets (Apartment Therapy)
Use Aluminum Foil to Keep Clothes Static-Free (Lifehacker)
Auto Clinic Fights Static (Popular Mechanics)

And for more uses for static-removing dryer sheets, watch this video:

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DIY Links: Ho-Ho-Holiday Edition!

Cheryl Thompson — 2010-12-10T13:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Holidays, Crafts & Celebrations

Cool gifts for hardcore DIYers and Christmas tree crafts the whole family can enjoy. Check out our favorite links from around the web this week!

Snowflake ornaments made of Borax! Photo: Curbly

Here at DIY Life, we appreciate the many uses of Borax, so were delighted to spot this DIY snowflake Christmas ornament project that uses our favorite household multitasker as its main ingredient. It's a great weekend holiday craft to enjoy with the kids. [Curbly]

These DIY gift toppers are easy to make: just grab some paper (magazine, construction, newspaper) and string or ribbon. Photo: Design*Sponge

Step away from the bag of store-bought bows! It's fun (and easy!) to embellish gifts with stuff you already have lying around the house and the yard. This photo gallery + tutorial gives you tons of ideas for using paper, greenery, feathers, string, beads, buttons, and more to dress up your presents. Cheap, easy, sustainable -- why would you ever buy gift toppers again? [Design*Sponge]

The Pyro-Master Woodburning Toolkit. Photo: Make: Online

Make: Online has some of the coolest gifts for DIY-minded folks that we've seen all year. Case in point: the Pyro-Master Woodburning Toolkit (pictured), which comes with a 25-watt heating pen and 19 interchangeable burning tips. Use the tool to perform pyrography: the art of decorating wood and leather by sketching, illustrating and otherwise embellishing it with heat. Other favorites include the Make: Bomb Defuser and the Bolo Style Machete with Sheath. A machete for Christmas? You'll be the coolest gift-giver in town. [Make: Online]

Personalize a Christmas tree ornament with a silhouette of your child, pet -- even yourself! Photo: Young House Love

Sherry and John, the adorable DIYing couple over at Young House Love, created a first Christmas tree ornament for their baby, Clara, and we love the results. Head over there for a step-by-step photo tutorial on how to make this chic silhouette tree ornament for someone in your family -- or maybe for the whole family. [Young House Love]

A Christmas tree skirt made of felt and glue. Photo: CasaSugar

Still need a skirt for your Christmas tree? Grab some big pieces of felt from your craft stash and create an unconventional tree skirt like the one pictured above. All you need are a hot glue gun and a pair of scissors. [CasaSugar]

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DIY Links: Make Your Own Ottoman, Graphic Rug, Wrapping Paper & More

Cheryl Thompson — 2010-11-26T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Small Projects, Know-How, Living Spaces

Budget-friendly rugs, laminate flooring and high-end knockoffs: save money with a little DIY blogosphere love.

Make room for holiday guests with double-duty furniture. Photo: CasaSugar

- During a busy holiday season you may be in need of extra seating. For an easy solution, recycle old cushions and make an ottoman that can double as a coffee table or seating option. [CasaSugar]

- Start thinking about your 2011 home improvement projects. Easy DIY: installing laminate flooring. [DIY Network]

Photo: Curbly

- Transforming a thrift store or Craigslist find into a stunning beauty is a thrilling, budget-friendly accomplishment. But repainting painted furniture can be a tricky task to tackle. Check out 10 easy steps to ensure results you'll love. [Curbly]

- Upgrade your bed by building a headboard and footboard from paneled bifold doors and crown molding. [This Old House]

Photo: High-Heel Foot in the Door

- Buying a large graphic rug can mean shelling out lots of cash, but here's a clever DIY rug project that will cost you less than $60. Fabric, a drop cloth, rug gripper, spray adhesive and scotch guard make a chic and wallet-friendly rug. [High-Heel Foot in the Door]

- Before you head to the mall, check out 31 ways to make over your closets. [Real Simple]

- After you bring your Black Friday and Cyber Monday loot home, gift holiday presents with this homemade wrapping paper project. [ReadyMade]

- Soap scum be gone: clean showers or baths using two simple and effective methods. [ShelterPop]

- Hanukkah is right around the corner! From dreidels to menorahs, celebrate the Festival of Lights with creative crafts and gift ideas. [Holidash]

- DIY a designer-style wall panel using paint chips and a hollow-core closet door. [Apartment Therapy]

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