DIY Life

Here in the United States, July Fourth means cookouts, BBQs, celebrations, and parties. With most parties come food and drink, and if you're hosting, you're bound to need to know how to mix up some festive beverages.

Most of us know our way around a margarita and a mojito, but I, for one, don't know how to make any patriotic drinks. Thanks to DIY Maven over at Curbly, we'll all know how to serve up some Independence Day libations.

The fun part of her drink recipes is that the non-alcoholic versions are given, so designated drivers, boaters, and swimmers, along with the kiddies, can drink responsibly and still partake in the festivities.

From a layered red, white, and blue drink, to a pumped-up lemonade with a cherry on top, these drink recipes should please the masses at your shindig.

Like many other Americans, this Friday I'll be heading off to a cookout to celebrate Independence Day. I'm rather relieved that I'm not hosting -- just bringing a dessert! -- as I'm looking forward to enjoying the day in the pool with my little one.

If you're hosting, and want to bring that special DIY touch to your party, try making some personalized drinking cups for your guests. Why would you do such a thing?

• Your guests will be less likely to misplace their cups, meaning less clean-up for you.
• Maybe your children are old enough to make them, effectively keeping them out of your hair while you're preparing for the party.
• They're festive and memorable.
• Everyone loves gingham!

Join me after the break for details on how to create these red, white, and blue stunners.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Shindaiwa Corp, has announced a voluntary recall of about 23,000 Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers, models EB8510 and EB8510RT. Shindaiwa is aware of 13 incidents involving broken propellers, including one incident involving a minor head injury and minor property damage to a nearby automobile.

A laceration and impact hazard is posed to consumers when plastic pieces are blown out of the machine, if the blower's impeller (fan) separates from the base of the machine and breaks apart. The flying pieces can also cause property damage and injury to bystanders.

Manufactured in Japan, and sold by Shindaiwa dealers from September 2005 through January 2007 for about $600, the backpack blowers weigh approximately 24 pounds and include serial numbers through February 2007. Please see the CPSC press release for more information on the black and blue blowers.

Consumers are advised to stop using the backpack blowers immediately. To find the closest dealer to schedule a free inspection and impeller replacement, contact Shindaiwa at (800) 521-7733, or visit their website at www.shindaiwa.com.

FYI: The Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers were previously recalled due to a fire hazard.

Of all the bird species native to North America, bluebirds are some of the most beautiful. During the decades of the 80's and 90's, bluebird populations were in serious decline which spawned nation wide efforts to assist them. One of the most dramatic developments to arise from the movement to assist the bluebirds may have been the inspired design of the Peterson bluebird house and the bluebird trails created with them.

If you have older denim or blue jeans lying around, why not put them to good use instead of donating them or selling to a thrift store? Instead of hopping over to a local Kohl's or Pottery Barn for Kids outlet, you can make your own denim come alive again in several ways.

Some of the denim transformations will take a little skill, but think of how cool some of these items would be after turning that old pair of Levis into: