Real Decorating for Real People
Don’t dive into decorating projects until you take the time to set budgets or you could get caught spending too much or worse, not getting the job completed! Budget, it’s a pretty scary word when you are talking about a decorating project. We’ve all heard the horror stories about the projects that ran way over budget, the kitchen that cost…
Put in a sturdy post and add bird feeders so you’ll have hours of enjoyment watching your feathered friends. Traditionally, spring isn’t the time of year to be thinking about adding a new bird feeding station in your yard, but I think it is the perfect time. Especially after reviewing the damage in my yard from…
Touching up woodwork is one of those projects we all put off, but once you know how to do it right, it’s a breeze! Spring is finally here and it is window opening time and time to do a little window trim maintance. Every spring, I try to do a whole house update. I walk…
For safety and convenience you might want to consider installing a motion sensor switch. I like to think that I’m doing my part to be more “green” around my home. In fact, Shari and I have a presentation that we do around the country called the “ABC’s of Green”. In it we share our tips…
We are all trying to figure out how to cut cost when it comes to our energy use. One of the things that’s actually good about today’s economic turmoil is how it’s forcing all of us to conserve and economize in ways we never thought about before. I know I’m scrutinizing my budget more carefully…
Perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, a little food coloring goes far to make your drink festive for the holiday! I admit, I think one of the best parts of Saint Patrick’s Day is of course the excuse to drink green beer, let’s face it, what other time of the year, would you take perfectly…
This is a perfect family meal to celebrate Saint Patricks Day. It can be placed in a slow cooker in the morning and be ready to enjoy in the evening. I enjoyed cooking this wonderful Irish feast as much as I enjoyed eating it with a glass of green beer that I made prior to…
Everyone knows that the secret to a perfect snowman is in the personality, and you can get that by creating eyes, a nose, and a mouth in the shop! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow……one of my favorite songs for the winter and boy do I love winter… especially all the snow! I…
Living in the Midwest has many rewards, and well it should because to earn those rewards we have to endure long and cold winters. This winter my outdoor thermometer has been stuck at around 0 degrees for most of December and January. Most of the time, I’m comfortable in my home, but as the thermometer…
Full of warmth and flavor, these hot corned beef sandwiches are great for having the gang over or catching a bowl game by yourself. My family has been eating these sandwiches over football games, on holidays, family picnics, you name it and we never get tired of their flavor. try them and see what you…
If you are looking for something light to read, this listing of books might help you out. Matt and I have read them and sometimes it’s nice to get a recommendation rather than just grab something unfamiliar and go! Matt and I both love to read. We have discussed recently that we seem to get…
Hooray, when the Super Bowl is upon us, that is great because it means party time! What could be more fun than having a bunch of guys over to watch the game, yelling and carrying on and breaking up your furniture? Hahaha, oops, did I get carried away there? Actually, I enjoy the Super Bowl…
You determine just how hot this blazin’ chip dip gets by the amount of tabasco sauce you add. My family is the king of chips, potato chips that is. I grew up in Ohio with the best chips in the world –Tasty Taters (unfortunately they don’t exist any more I guess not everyone agreed with…
Anyone can make heart shaped cookies, but why not use that cookie cutter on brownies and krispies treats? Here’s something wonderful to whip up for your Valentine this year. I know I’m going to make another couple of batches for the kids and probably my neighbors. After all, who doesn’t want a sweet treat? And, if…
Nothing warms the soul in the middle of winter like a bowl of soup and may we suggest this easy to make hearty man’s soup – navy bean! When I was a kid, my grandmother made the best bean soup in the world! I know I’m biased, but to me, it’s true. In my adulthood,…
Yes, once you see the all the cool things a router can do, you will want to learn how to use it and you will eventually fall in love! If you looked around my shop, you’d notice that I don’t have a ton of tools, but I think I have collected the most useful ones,…
Trying to use your garage as a craft space…in the middle of winter? Well, a garage heater can make all the difference in how much you enjoy your time in there, and it will make your cars happy too! A disadvantage to using your garage as a shop or craft area is that it wasn’t…
Why not plant your Christmas trees in your yard instead of chopping them down and tossing them in the tree lawn after the holidays? Growing up, my mom, my brothers and I would always have a live Christmas tree. It was, to me, the beginning of the season when right after Thanksgiving we would all go…
If you plan on creating any larger projects in your shop, you are going to need a circular saw so you might as well take some time to learn how to use one! If you would ask what power tool you would need to be the anchor of your work shop I would have to…
Squared off, a curved bottom edge, decorative corners, top crown moulding, any way you design it, a fabric covered cornice board is a classic window treatment perfect for any window. Matt and I like to dabble in each others specialties because we each have talent in those areas, but mostly because it’s a diversion! So,…
Everyone needs a home tool box, but how far do you go and what should be in it? Well, here’s a home tool box filled with the items we think are best. For most people, home ownership is a source of pride. Your home is a reflection of your family and lifestyle, and can be…
Ceiling fans may seem old fashioned but they are great movers of air and installing one can help save on your energy bills! I just took a look at the thermometer on my sun porch. Days are starting to be cooler and nights are beginning to feel down right cold. I love this time of year,…
You can keep the paint colors you choose for your home fresh for a long time for touch ups if you know how to store them properly. I was just reminded by Shari that it is painting season again, funny she seems to say that every time the weather changes. I think I finally figured…
The traditional bean bag toss game is a perfect one for family picnics, weekends or holidays and it can take you from spring through to the fall! Autumn is definitely creeping into the air, and by looking at the calendar I can see that October is looming just ahead. Which gave me an idea for…
