DIY Life

Decorate notebooks for back to school

Debra McDuffee — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: kids, crafts, scrapbooking, papercraft

Notebooks are a necessity for school, but your kids may not get excited about the plain white paper and solid-colored cover. Sure, they are likely to plaster the front of their notebooks with the likes of "I [heart] David Archuleta 4-eva'," but why not suggest a venture slightly more creative than that?

There are some fun ways kids can decorate their notebooks for back-to-school, and make them uniquely theirs. For instance, using spare scrapbooking supplies, your kids can make their notebooks fit their favorite theme, whether that be cupcakes or super heroes.

Or, get some stencils, gel and glitter pens, and construction paper to embellish those notebooks and unleash those kids into a decorating frenzy.

A project like this one could go in so many directions; only time and creativity are the factors. So let your kids use the backs of their notebooks for their love graffiti, and proudly show off their artwork on the front covers.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Become a beekeeper

Debra McDuffee — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: backyard science, gardening and plants, nature

It's been all over the news for about six months now: there is a bee shortage. While this probably means catastrophic things for our planet in general terms, more specifically, it leaves us with a lack of honey for cooking and body care products, and less beeswax than we'd like to make lip balms and other lovelies.

What about the long-term effects the dwindling bee population could have on our plants? Without bees to pollinate them, our blooms could fade into just a memory.

Have you thought about becoming a beekeeper?

Continue reading Become a beekeeper

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

More staycation ideas

Debra McDuffee — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: kids, recreation, entertaining

Earlier this week, I wrote a post with some ideas for planning every family staycation. As I was browsing the Internet today, I found that lots of other people have great ideas, too, but that the most unique ones came from Better Homes and Gardens.

BHG put together a gallery of their 25 best staycation ideas. Some of their more unique activities include:

turning your home into a spa -- Make some spa-quality products at home and let the pampering begin: for your face, your hands and body, and your feet.
going on a family bike ride
flying a kite
having a field day for the kids -- Or, create your own summer camp.
organizing a block party -- You coulc choose to do this in a Mexican or Hawaiian theme, some of BHG's other party ideas.

Whatever you decide to do on your staycation, it seems that the common themes are relaxing and enjoying the people in your life. What's your favorite staycation activity?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Don't-it-yourself: Cracking a safe the hard way

Debra McDuffee — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: miscellaneous, Don't-it-yourself

I can imagine that cracking a safe under pressure would be somewhat frustrating. If you are unsuccessful, though, it is probably not a good idea to leave an angry note.

News of the Weird reports that not only did the amateur thieves express their displeasure at being unable to cut into the safe ("[expletive] you and your safe"), but that they were caught speeding away from the scene, license plate in full view of the on-the-ball security officer.

Now, I'm not saying it is easy, but I wonder if this father and son team did their research before they tried to break into the safe at the Iowa golf club they attempted to rob. A simple Google search will get you videos on how to crack a safe and a complete guide on how safe-cracking works.

Perhaps these would-be robbers should have started small, and read Francesca's post on how to crack a combination lock in twelve seconds. They might have gotten away with at least a cool bike or something....

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pasta tree makes a unique centerpiece

Debra McDuffee — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: home decor, crafts, gifts

OK, I usually don't go for the "household item" craft projects... oftentimes, they look just like what they are. The pasta necklaces? They're nothing but macaroni on a string.

Better Homes and Gardens has changed my mind, though, with their pasta tree centerpiece project. This fancy little number is hip and funky, and doesn't look like old pasta at all.

All you need are a few simple materials; BHG promises that the project will cost less than ten dollars.

Continue reading Pasta tree makes a unique centerpiece

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Five-minute flower arrangements

Debra McDuffee — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: home decor, wedding, gardening and plants

Leave it to Better Homes and Gardens. Somehow, they're able to inspire me without making me feel like a second-rate Martha Stewart wanna-be.

Since we joined our CSA farm last year, it's been a pleasure to have new fresh flowers in the house every week. BHG has created a gallery of flower arrangements that can be done in five minutes, and that look positively stunning. Some of their winning combinations:

poppies surrounded by hosta leaves
geranium leaves, roses, and trailing vines
lavender stems and geranium leaves
hydrangeas with bachelor buttons
mounded zinneas with bleeding heart foliage

What I really love about BHG's arrangements is that most of the blooms could be found in your own garden, or even in a wild flower field. That makes these arrangements economical, too.

I've been combining wild yarrow with daylilies and daisies for a pretty display on my kitchen's center island. What's you favorite quick and easy flower arrangement?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Duct tape back pack

Debra McDuffee — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: kids, weekend projects, crafts

Step aside, Hannah Montana! There's a way cooler backpack in town...

As a parent, it's hard buying "branded" merchandise, isn't it? I don't want my son walking around advertising the latest Spiderman movie, and I sure wouldn't want Hannah Montana's face plastered all over my hypothetical daughter's backpack.

In the interest of promoting individuality and all things unique, why not send your child to school with a duct tape backpack... handmade by you, with some kid help, of course!

You know it will be strong -- it's duct tape, after all -- and you can customize the outside colors by using any colored duct tape you can find.

You'll need cardboard, gray and colored duct tape, and some string, shoelace-style. Before you know it, your child will be starting his or her own new trend... you may need a lot of duct tape very soon!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Scentual Life: Have a scent hunt with your kids

Debra McDuffee — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: kids, seasonal, gardening and plants, Scentual Life

Join me each week as I explore the naturally aromatic side of DIY. Helpful recipes for your "scentual" pleasure: from essential oils, herbs, and other botanicals to soap-making, body care products and other useful blends.

I admit it -- Diane's Avant Yard post, 75 tricks to get your kids outdoors, inspired me. It's one thing to enjoy scents, to make scented products, and to use essential oils and herbs in your daily life. But have you shared your love of scents with your children?

Inadvertently, you just may have. I know my three-year-old wanders through my garden with me, picking leaves off the basil plant for nibbling (he knows which plants are the edible ones), admiring the hard-working bees at the lavender plants, and of course, stopping to smell the roses (stereotypical, yet true).

Kids catch on, through your modeling, to the things you love. If you feel like spicing it up a bit, though, how about creating a scent hunt for your kids?

Continue reading The Scentual Life: Have a scent hunt with your kids

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Staycations: get in on the frugal fun

Debra McDuffee — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: kids, money, recreation, seasonal

Everything is expensive nowadays, and let's face it -- a summer vacation just may not be in your budget this year. You don't have to sacrifice family fun just because you can't get away, though; instead, follow my tips for a frugal staycation filled with old favorites and new adventures!

Come on in -- the water's fine!
No staycation would be complete without a day at the beach or pool, and you've got lots of cheap options.

Got a friend with a pool? Bum a visit, and bring burgers and hot dogs for everyone. You've done your share -- and gotten a free day of swimming.
Find a state park (here's a list of all U.S. state parks) with a lake and beach. They are usually only about US $5 per car; they often have BBQ pits so you can cook your own meals, and you could even rent a canoe.
If you live in the mountains, you can probably pull over to the side of the road and frolic in the rocky river for the day, like we do when we visit New Hampshire. That's free, folks!
Living near the ocean is quite a perk, and can cost anywhere from free to about US $20 per car. If you are coastal, you've got to take advantage!

Gallery: Staycation activities

Continue reading Staycations: get in on the frugal fun

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Back to school checklists

Debra McDuffee — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: kids, seasonal

It's that time. My little guy will be starting preschool in September, and two mornings a week have gradually become a daily worry. While he is excited to go, we've never been apart, and making the separation easy for him is one of my top priorities.

Mommy Mall has put together a very comprehensive checklist for parents, to help make the transition to school as smooth as possible for families with children entering preschool, primary school, middle school, and high school.

You'll find tips for one month before school starts, one week before the transition, and the night before the big day, even the morning of, with lists for each school level.

Continue reading Back to school checklists

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Build a bird bath with found items

Debra McDuffee — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: weekend projects, outdoor, wood working, nature

Attracting birds to your yard can bring so much enjoyment. They are so much fun to watch, and my son loves naming the different types he sees at our birdfeeder -- goldfinch, robin, sparrow, blue jay....

We've shown you how to build a bird house with scrap wood; now I'll share some ideas on how to build a bird bath with materials you may have around the house.

You could use some chicken wire and cement for the bath part, some metal for the support post, and rocks for the edges, suggests Las Pilitas. Or how about an old cake pan, an old garbage can lid, or even a beat-up hubcap? If those are too crazy for you, a soft, flat rock or even a terra cotta pot's saucer will make an effective birdbath.

Continue reading Build a bird bath with found items

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Learn to skateboard

Debra McDuffee — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: kids, recreation, seasonal, wood working

Has the summer bug bit you yet?

If it has, you may be itching to try a new outdoor activity. Hiking and biking may have become passe, so get yourself a skateboard and wheel off to enjoy the great outdoors.

Expert Village has created a skateboarding video series that will teach you the basics, like how to stand, push, and turn on your new board. When you are ready for the fancy moves, watch their videos on the Ollie tricks and how to skate on ramps.

Heck, as a self-proclaimed DIYer, you just may want to build yourself a skateboard ramp. There are lots of free ramp plans available on the internet, and wikiHow even gives you step-by-step instructions on how to build your ramp based on your own plans.

So fire up that enthusiasm for your new hobby and learn to skateboard in style!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Build an owl house

Debra McDuffee — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: weekend projects, outdoor, nature

Why on Earth would you want to build an owl house? Having owls take up residence on your property will cause the mouse population to dwindle: never a bad thing if the furry invaders like to live in your basement, attic, or -- yikes! -- your kitchen.

To build a screech owl house, you'll need ten feet of one-foot board, some hinges, nails, and screws, wood glue, and a little time. Research shows that owls like big houses with small entrance holes, which is what inspired this owl house plan from Audubon. They suggest hanging your owl house ten feet off the ground or higher.

You are now on your way to a mouse-free house! Similarly, if you'd like to see a few less mosquitoes, try building a bat house. Apparently, those buzzing buggers are quite delicious....

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Don't It Yourself: Pipe bombs

Debra McDuffee — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: backyard science, recalls and safety, Don't-it-yourself

If you're reading DIY Life, chances are you like to make things. Perhaps you build large structures, or maybe you enjoy sewing. I hope you can keep your creativity from overflowing into the pipe bomb arena, though.

We've all started projects only to abandon them, or at least take a big break in-between work sessions. Any painting job I've ever tried to do comes to mind. The only hazards there are perhaps some stiff, neglected paintbrushes. What if you left a pipe bomb half-finished?

That's what one guy did, and when he ran out of welding rod, he tossed the half-finished pipe bomb -- already filled with gunpowder -- back into the scrap pile. You can imagine what happened the next time he needed some scrap metal pipe....

Continue reading Don't It Yourself: Pipe bombs

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

5 ways to save money in the kitchen

Debra McDuffee — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, money, cleaning

It seems that when I look at our budget, the greater portion of our expenses seem to be spent on food. Yes, we are self-proclaimed Foodies, so we tend to splurge on good things to eat. The good news is that there are ways to save money in the kitchen; your love of food doesn't have to break the bank.

1. Make a weekly menu and shop accordingly: Creative meal planning wastes less. You'll be less apt to buy things that aren't on your grocery list, and you'll have everything you need for the week's meals, thereby saving gas on fewer trips to the grocery store.

2. Use extra foods to make soups or stews: It's OK to buy that jumbo bag of broccoli florets. After you use what you need in Tuesday's stir-fry, throw the rest into a pot with onions, broth, some dried beans, and some seasonings. The result will be a healthy soup that you can freeze for lunches later. Some of my favorite meals have been the clean-out-the-refrigerator-stews!

Continue reading 5 ways to save money in the kitchen

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Scentual Life: More summer drinks, naturally

Debra McDuffee — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: food, gardening and plants, entertaining, Scentual Life

Join me each week as I explore the naturally aromatic side of DIY. Helpful recipes for your "scentual" pleasure: from essential oils, herbs, and other botanicals to soap-making, body care products, and other useful blends.

There's nothing like a cool drink to refresh on a hot summer day. Last week, we explored drinks made with fresh mint and essential oils. Now it's time to think beyond the mint.

Did you know that most citrus and herbal essential oils are sold to large food companies as flavoring? Hydrosols, which are the water left behind when plants are steam-distilled into essential oils, are also safe to ingest in small quantities when they're organic and top quality, according to Suzanne Catty, author of Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy.

Make sure your oils and hydrosols are organically grown and of good quality, then read on after the break for drink recipes -- citrus, herbal, and even some floral -- made with essential oils, herbs, and hydrosols.

Gallery: Make a slushie

Continue reading The Scentual Life: More summer drinks, naturally

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Keep rabbits away from your plants

Debra McDuffee — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: seasonal, gardening and plants, nature

I was so proud of my perennial garden this year. Not only did all of the plants actually come up, but when I planted new ones, the blooms complimented one another perfectly. Then that furry little critter appeared....

Contrary to popular belief, it is not cute to have a resident rabbit. First, our little friend ate my mystery plant -- the one it ate last year, and now it's been so long I can't remember what it is (other than delicious, apparently).

Next, it systematically broke off each stem of my apricot-colored yarrow, to nibble at the blooms. Frustration began to set in....

Continue reading Keep rabbits away from your plants

Permalink | Email this | Comments

How to make a water slide

Debra McDuffee — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: kids, recreation, seasonal, toys

When I was a kid, many of my friends had slides going right into their pools. Cool. Not quite as cool as a water park, but it did the trick. Can you replicate the water park experience at home?

Homemade water slides are great fun... big fun... huge fun... if they're done right. I should probably write a Don't-it-yourself post on the contraption I have rigged in my backyard right now: a Little Tikes climber with the slide going right into my son's kiddie pool. Yes, it is wobbly and completely unsafe. Don't try this one at home, folks.

Instead, try making this water slide (reminds me of the old Slip 'N Slide from my childhood) from a piece of 4-ply plastic and a sprinkler. Stake it down every 4-5 feet so the plastic is stable, and send the kids whooshing. Rather than just hitting a patch of lawn at the bottom, you could always set up a trap to make a small "watering hole."

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Open a sealed envelope, the sneaky way

Debra McDuffee — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: household hacks, miscellaneous, papercraft

You've done it again. After writing your long letter to Aunt Martha -- on your homemade fabric flower cards, perhaps -- you've sealed the envelope, only to realize that you've forgotten to include little Harry's latest school photo.

You could either rip open the envelope, pop in the picture, and tape it closed, or you could try a sneaky way to open the envelope -- an undetectable way.

There's always steaming open the envelope, TV detective Veronica Mars' method of choice. This is wet and messy, though, so you may want to try putting the envelope in the freezer instead. Just a few hours in the zero -- or subzero -- environment, and the envelope should open on its own. You can reseal it after you put in Junior's picture.

I hope you aren't getting any illegal ideas, now that you're an expert at this....

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

How to reheat pizza

Debra McDuffee — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: food, in the kitchen

We love making homemade pizza at my house. We do it up right: homemade crust in the bread machine (easy!), gourmet toppings, and if weather permits, we cook it on the grill.

For three of us, though, we make two huge pizzas, which means a lot of leftovers. We haven't yet found the ideal way to reheat it, although about 350 degrees in a toaster oven until the cheese begins to bubble is pretty close. My only complaint is that there's sometimes still a cold spot, even when the crust is beginning to overcook.

What to do? The Chicago Pizza Club has some answers on the best way to reheat pizza.

Continue reading How to reheat pizza

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments