DIY Life

House fires are one of the most devastating accidents, and a home in our neighborhood was recently victim of a fire that started in their garage. Luckily, the young couple had a fire safety plan in tact and practiced it often. It sounds corny, but saves lives. View the below video for additional tips to keep you safe in the event of a fire in your home:


Keep in mind, although two-thirds of American households have a fire escape plan, only about a third of those have practiced it. Practice makes perfect. I know you're probably thinking, "I don't have time for that" or "Are you kidding? I have better things to do" but the truth is, you can't afford not to practice your fire escape plan with your family. Shoot for a memory refresh every six months. You'll be glad you did if a fire ever starts in your own home.

Be safe, DIY-ers!

Hair conditioner: it's essential for soft, tangle-free tresses. But did you know hair conditioner has a bunch of other uses? It's true! Check out my super list of unusual uses for conditioner:

1. Shaving lotion. Why buy a separate product for shaving when an inexpensive conditioner goes a lot further? It works just as well as shaving foam. Really.

2. Makeup remover. Conditioner dissolves makeup beautifully and softens the skin without being greasy.

Ever heard of French General? Of course you have. If not, you're in for a treat, as the renowned owner of this lovely craft/notions store has penned her first sourcebook for lovers of French country coast to coast. Kaari Meng includes ready-to-use pattern sheets, embroidery transfers and step-by-step instructions to infusing your home with a bit of 'a francais.'

One of my favorite projects of Kaari's is her gorgeous scalloped tablecloth that looks like an image straight from Martha Stewart herself. I'd love to try the project with a beautiful floral fabric for a last-minute summer dinner party. A similar tablecloth in French General's 'red quilt' fabric would look equally striking, especially for a backyard bbq baby shower I'm currently planning.

I feel silly craving a book that focuses on sewing and embroidery when I haven't yet perfected the art of either, but I suppose a gal can dream (even the French ones!). And dream I shall...

French General: Home Sewn
Written by: Kaari Meng
Chronicle Books, $24.95

According to Consumer Reports, two-thirds of burglaries involve forced entries. And lots of 'em are opportunistic in nature. In other words, the criminal sees no one is home and goes around back looking for unlocked doors and windows, maybe testing their sturdiness with a kick or two.

Are your existing door locks of the cheap "builders brass" variety that could easily be forced? Don't want to spend big bucks on expensive, better-quality replacements? Here's a quick fix that will improve your home's security – for only around $10! Introducing: the box strike!

Deadlocks are usually installed in conjunction with a strike plate. That's the piece of metal screwed onto the door jamb, opposite the lock itself. When the lock is engaged, the deadlock slides through the strike plate, resting in a cavity cut into the wooden door jamb.

Dive right in and decorate your new rental. The sooner you start, the sooner it will feel like home. If you're beginning college this fall, now's a great time to hunt for dorm room decor. Whatever your space, remember you're not alone: Most home buyers are choosing pre-owned, and face the exact same make-it-mine challenges as you do!

1. Curtains are key for making a place feel like home. Sheer window panels are affordable and come in many gorgeous designs. Budget tip: Chunky curtain rings make window treatments really pop. Skimp with budget-priced curtain rods then splurge a little with eye-catching curtain rings such as bamboo hoops.

2. Rugs really anchor a room. It's OK if you're on a tight budget: Small rugs work surprisingly well, too. Opt for a small living room rug and position a coffee table on top of it. Similarly, a small throw rug next to the bed is a heck of a lot cheaper than a full-size area rug, but still makes the room feel cozy.

It happens. People buy houses. Sometimes you know them well, sometimes you hardly know them at all. Then they have a housewarming party. What sort of present do you buy for them? How much money should you spend? What if you really want to stay away from an impersonal gift card? These questions have sent me into a panic in the past.

The amount of money you spend is entirely subjective and up to you. Though I believe that the less money you spend, the more thought you need to put into the gift. I know I would rather receive a $20 coffee table book than get a card with a rumpled $20 shoved inside. The former says that you care about the person enough to shop for something that you thought they might like, even if you are working with a limited budget. The latter? Well, that says you didn't spend all your money at the bar last night.

1) Wreath for the front door. When we bought our first house many years ago, it was in the late autumn, right before the holiday season kicks into full gear. One of the nicest housewarming presents I received was a fresh wreath to hang on the front door. It was handmade and beautiful, perfect for our first Christmas in the house when our cash- strapped selves were not going to be buying any extras.

I'm a sucker for all-in-one products, but they all seem so harmful to the environment. Until now...

Care2 teaches us how to make a green cleaning kit using supplies that I guarantee are already in your household (except perhaps tea tree oil, which you can purchase right here for less than my a pack of socks). By using the same key ingredients, you can create a green cleaning agent for every room in your home! I'm simply amazed.

Round up your spray bottles and mix away! Don't forget a handy caddy to hold all of your new cleaners in (I love The Container Store's lace basket right here).

Bonus? Your homemade mix will cost about a tenth of the price as household cleaners from your grocer. You'll save time, money and who knows? You may even save the environment.

Remodeling my master bathroom has so far brought me frustration and zero progress. Yesterday evening, for example, I was stood up by yet another contractor. So much for my theory that the economic downturn would bring talented tradesmen swarming to my door.

Visualizing the room finished and perfect really boosts my morale. I daydream about the beautiful colors I might use to bring the space alive. During one such moment this week, it occurred to me that my favorite color schemes have always been drawn from nature's stunning palette.

If you want more of the joy that comes from bringing the outdoors into your home, head to the Web for inspiration. I did a little online exploration today and discovered the following helpful resources. Take a look and tune in to the joyful colors of Mother Nature!

Duct tape has to be among the handiest fix-it tools around. That big, fat roll of tape sure is bulky, though. Consider stowing just a small amount in your pocket, bag, or glove compartment. That way you'll always have some tape on hand, and there'll be no more riffling through the garage searching for the main roll of tape.

Here's how Lifehacker's Brad Isaac made his own pocket-sized duct tape dispenser from a drinking straw. You will need a roll of duct tape, a drinking straw, and a pair of scissors. Carefully wind a length of duct tape around and around the straw, then cut the excess straw on either side. Voila! You have a decent amount of duct tape that slips into your pocket for those unexpected little repair jobs around the house, car, at work, or camping out.

[via Lifehacker]

My husband has a freakishly organized tool box. I tease him that it's because he spends all his time in front of the computer instead of working around the house, but the truth is, he just likes to keep things tidy so that he can easily find the tool he's looking for. Part of me admires him -- you know, the part that's not too busy teasing him!

Whether you're cleaning out an old overstuffed tool bag, setting up house for the first time, or putting together some dorm room necessities, you'll want to include these 11 must-have tools. Including the essentials, like a hammer, level, pliers, and screwdrivers, Dustin claims that these tools will get you through basic household repairs and simple projects.

People must feel passionately about their tools, because the comments bring out some heated discussions about the validity of these recommendations, and argue for tools that didn't make the cut. I wouldn't add any tools to the list, but I think every family toolbox needs the the ever-important duct tape, crazy glue, and some other useful odds and ends like zap-straps and string.

What are your household handyman must haves?

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!

I have a very busy house. Two teens in full-time residence, three teens in part-time residence, five toddlers here during working hours. And one very patient husband. (There are still more offspring, as it happens. They're just old enough to live elsewhere.)

It's also a very small house, particularly for the number of people. Oh, and an old house, so that not every bedroom has a closet, and there is really no front hall to speak of, and certainly no front hall closet. I think I have now established my clutter and cleaning challenges, no?

1980s music and '80s-style skinny jeans have popped back into fashion of late. '80s-style home decor trends have most definitely not. So if you've recently purchased a home that retains an '80s interior, or if your old house needs a style makeover before going on the market, check out these tips from MSN Real Estate on how to de-'80s your home.

The fastest and most budget-friendly way to de-'80s a space, say MSN's style gurus, is to completely rid yourself of the dreaded "Miami Vice" color palette. The hues now considered waaay outdated are hunter green, salmon pink, gray, and teal. Next, upgrade your light fixtures, particularly anything with a shiny gold (fake brass) finish or anything involving etched glass.

Next, replace outdated bathroom medicine cabinets and faucets. If you don't have the time or budget to replace the entire medicine cabinet, at least pull the old one out and hang an attractive mirror over that spot. Next, upgrade the faucets at your kitchen sink. There. The whole house looks better already, doesn't it?

S'mores are traditionally melted over a blazing camp fire. I enjoyed these summer evening treats when I was younger, and want to pass on the ooey-gooey tradition to the sweet toothed kids in my life. We just can't get out in front of a campfire this year, but that isn't going to stop us from indulging in the graham cracker goodness.

When I first heard about microwave s'mores, I was horrified at the whole idea. I really thought that s'mores should be left where they belong: on the campgrounds.

After trying them, it's all I can do to not microwave one for myself right now.