DIY Life

Planning a bathroom renovation? Me, too. Right now, I'm shopping for the perfect bathtub.

Now, I knew right off the bat my budget wouldn't stretch to one of those luxe clawfoot models. But I also can't settle for a cheapo standard-issue (read: shallow, uncomfortable) tub. I'm looking for a bath that's comfortable and deep enough for soaking ... yet won't break the piggy bank.

If you're shopping for a tub, choose carefully. The cost of installation can easily dwarf that of the tub itself, so make sure the finished result is exactly what you wanted! You've probably already narrowed it down by size, shape and color. But wait: You still must choose the type of material your new tub will be made from. Let's take a look at the choices.

In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Weil-McLain has announced a voluntary recall of about 1,800 Williamson-Thermoflo GWS and GWI gas boilers. If a leak occurs in the vent piping, the boilers can leak carbon monoxide into the building in which they are installed, posing a risk of CO poisoning. No injuries have been reported.

Manufactured in the United States and sold by plumbing and heating wholesale distributors to plumbers and contractors from October 2001 through December 2007 for between $1,500 and $2,700, this recall involves cast iron, gas fired boilers used for space heating. Please check the CPSC press release for more information.

Consumers are advised to contact their installers for a free safety inspection and repair. For more information, contact Williamson-Thermoflo at (866) 783-9516, or visit their website at www.williamson-thermoflo.com.

FYI: Weil-McLain has issued a voluntary recall for Weil-McLain gas boilers; see that recall here.

In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Weil-McLain has announced a voluntary recall of about 32,000 Weil-McLain CG's and CGi gas boilers. If a leak occurs in the vent piping, the boilers can leak carbon monoxide into the building in which they are installed, posing a risk of CO poisoning. No injures have been reported.

Manufactured in the U.S. and sold by plumbing and heating wholesale distributors to plumbers and contractors from October 2001 through December 2007 for between $1,700 and $2,700, this recall involves cast iron, gas fired boilers used for space heating. Please check the CPSC press release for model names and serial numbers.

Consumers are advised to contact their installers for a free safety inspection and repair. For more information, contact Weil-McLain at (866) 783-9276 or visit their website at www.weil-mclain.com.

Don't have anything lined up for Mother's Day yet? Feel bad 'cause your tight budget won't stretch to that mega-bunch of roses? Well, here's a suggestion: if your mom's into gardening, run out this weekend and pick up a yard-related gift. Wrap it up nice and pretty and give her that, alone, or pair it with a nice little box of chocolates or a few fresh flowers. She'll love it...and it won't break the bank!

Here are my top ten budget Mother's Day gift ideas for gardening moms. All of my suggestions are $20 or less--making them perfect for kids, grandkids, or big kids on a budget! Although it may be too late to have these items shipped, your local stores carry variations of nearly all of these items. Oh, and if you're open to slightly pricier ideas, check out last week's gift ideas post!

1. LL Bean Go-Anywhere Flexible Tote, $16.50
This soft, yet very sturdy, LLBean tote comes in a range of fabulous colors, including perfect-for-Mother's-Day bright pink. Also available in more practical hues, like dark green. Use it for anything outdoors-related: mix soil in it, haul tools or clippings in it, etc. This 11-gallon tote is built to last: it is UV-resistant and has reinforced handles.

If your pans and other cast iron cookware are well cared for, they will last a lifetime. Curing or seasoning is the process by which you fill the pores of the pan creating a smooth, non-stick surface. this should be done to the entire pan, even the lids.

Basically, you clean the pan thoroughly and cover it in shortening. Place it on a cooking sheet and put it in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 min. Take the pan out and drain the excess oil, then put it back in upside down, this time for a couple of hours. Make sure you read these full instructions and important tips for curing cast iron.

Even if your pans come "pre-seasoned" make sure you read the instructions for any specific cleaning details, and keep in mind that they will need to be re-seasoned regularly to keep them from sticking. Repeat seasons won't take as long, but it is one of the many important things to do when caring for cast iron cookware. Here are a few other useful tips:

• Don't wash cast iron in the dishwasher
• Scrub any rust spots with steel wool and mild soap
  
• Boiling water in your pan will wash away the seasoning

If you've invested in quality cookware, it will only work for you as well as you care for it. Take the time to season or cure it, then maintain it well.

Depending on where you live, it may be time to set up your outdoor furniture and enjoy the changing season from your deck or patio. If you're responsible and motivated, you probably cleaned all your furniture before packing it away. If you're like me, you ran out in the rain and quickly moved things to the shed, intending to go back and put them away properly, but never actually did it.

You organized folk will have an easier time getting your furniture ready this year, but I'm not entirely out of luck either. How to clean outdoor furniture is a great resource with cleaning tips for all types of outdoor furniture. Here are all the materials that can be cleaned using these instructions:

1. Aluminum
2. Cushions
3. Hammocks
4. Cast and formed iron
5. Resin plastic
6. Sun shades and patio umbrellas
7. Wood

Our umbrella is in terrible condition. Follow me through the break and I'll share their advice on bringing it back to life.