DIY Life

Each June, I summerize my bedroom by swapping out my dark red, thick duvet cover for an airy, cream-colored pleated one. I pick my most cherished blown-glass vase from my collection, place it on my dresser, and then keep it filled with my favorite summer flowers.

These are small reminders that while I may still keep crazy-busy work hours, I can at least do a little something to invoke the feeling of carefree summer days -- even if this just means lounging in bed with a good magazine for 30 minutes on a Sunday morning.

Our friends over at ShelterPop have taken it a step further and have come up with a top 10 list for creating the perfect summer bedroom. Throw in natural textiles and colorful throw pillows, and you're well on your way. For the finishing touch and a yummy dried-on-the-clothesline scent, try making this refreshing and inexpensive linen spray.

Once July 4th hits, it seems like we truly are in the throes of summer -- especially if you're experiencing the heat riddling a good part of the southern U.S. right now. Chances are the kids are feeling the heat right now, too, as they spend more time outdoors looking for things to do.

Here's an idea that combines all three -- round up the kids and make these patriotic popsicles. They're a great treat to have on hand for your Independence Day celebration, they're a refreshing alternative to soda for beating the heat, and it's a great DIY project to keep the kids busy for a few hours.

Check out this video for full instructions. We'd also like to hear from you. What are some easy, refreshing summer treats you enjoy making with your kids? Share your ideas in the comments section below and we may feature them in future How Now posts!

July 4th is tomorrow, and if you're throwing a big party you're probably busy with last-minute prepping. But don't forget the basics -- before you throw the burgers and dogs on the barbie, make sure that you give the grill a good cleaning.

AOL Living home improvement expert Eric Stromer shows you how to gear up your gas grill to take front and center stage in eight easy steps. All you need is soapy water, a grill brush, a sponge, hose, and few other common household items.

And before you can say 'perfect patriotic party' five times in a row, you'll have a lean, mean and clean grilling machine. Not only will you ensure its best performance, but you'll also provide a clean canvas on which to fire up the juicy, delicious centerpieces for your Independence Day picnic table. Our mouths are practically watering!

As a Southern girl now living in the Pacific Northwest, I rarely skip my weekly Mexican food fix. There's nothing that can't be cured with chips, salsa, and a frosty margarita. But, I hate paying $8 or more for a cocktail. And, given that an authentic margarita has just three ingredients, I think I can manage to shake it up and save a few bucks.

Our ShelterPop sisters not only supply the perfect margarita recipe but they also make suggestions on how to throw the perfect summertime margarita party -- including how to make this DIY cocktail umbrella lamp. The weekend's just a few days away, and I'm thinking it's margarita time for this mama!

Frappes. Slushes. Sangria. Just the sweet sound of these drinks conjure up visions of deck parties, frosty pitchers, and those cute little drink umbrellas.

Instead of opting for the same old soda for the July 4th picnic this year, why not stir up these summery drinks to keep your guests cool and refreshed? It's drinkwise-DIY at its simplest: refreshing, thirst-quenching, and made from natural, low-cost ingredients. Cheers!

Have you ever stumbled on a truly brilliant do-it-yourself solution and wished you could share it with everyone you knew? You might mention it to your best friend, blog about it, or spread it via megaphone at the kids' school drop-off lane. Okay, perhaps not that last method, but what if you could broadcast it to a wider audience in an equally creative way?

Well, if you're the creative sort, then you could possibly earn some dough (like, $2,000 worth!) for your discovery. The good folks over at Howcast are looking for -- as they put it -- the coolest, baddest, flat-out flyest how-to video you can create in three minutes or less. All you need is an SD or HD video connection, an internet connection, and creativity galore.

Fourth of July is all about food, fun, friends and fireworks. If you're throwing a party this year, then chances are good that: a) you've probably got a great view of the firework action, and b) you're game for a few easy and inexpensive DIY touches to add just the right homespun, Americana touch to your '4th' fete.

AOL Living rounds up six quick do-it-yourself party essentials, decorations, and even a kids' craft. Check them out here, and then prepare to watch your patriotic party-throwing star power rise.

By Debra McDuffee

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....