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Cleaning hacks. They're everywhere on Pinterest, and they all claim to be the answer to your toughest, messiest dilemmas. But are they really? I tested 10 hacks in my own house and here's what I found out.
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I don't know about your front yard, but I know mine has seen better days - after a long winter and the late arrival of spring, there's a lot of work to be done. But it won't take long with these easy tips. Give the front of your home a boost with these ten simple yet effective projects.
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More and more I find myself opting for greener products in my home.
In this post, you'll learn how to make a birdhouse two different ways ...
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A few years ago, I made a mid-century inspired birdhouse, modeled after the iconic Case Study houses. I created it using my growing collection of woodworking tools, like a table saw and router table, cutting complex angles, and using joints like rabbets and dadoes. It was fun and challenging, and nearly three years outside later, it's still very strong and holding up wonderfully.
But, of course I know that most folks, even other creative-types and DIYsters, don't have access to all these tools. So, I wondered: is it possible to come up with a modern, handmade birdhouse that doesn't required bunches of power tools and knowledge of complex joinery?
Of course it is. So, here's a DIY mod birdhouse that requires only an electric drill and a few toolbox staples. The whole thing can be made for around $10 in materials, and in just an hour or two.
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As Earth Day approaches (mark your calendars! April 22nd!), I've been thinking about ways to reduce and reuse the things I don't need in my life anymore. I'm pretty good about recycling what I can - cardboard, papers, and bottles go in the curbside recycling, and compost I take to the local natural foods store. Plastic bags go to grocery stores with those plastic bag bins up front, along with other random thinner plastics like cereal bags, plastic wrap, and bread bags. If you don't have access to a plastic bag recycling bin, you can reuse your plastic bags by fusing them together to create a waterproof, flexible fabric!
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For some reason or another I'm obsessed with contact paper. Maybe it's because it's an easy way to transform objects, walls, anything really. It might be because shelf liner is cheap, or maybe it's the renter in me that loves how temporary it is. Whatever the case, it's a fact that I love vinyl. And it's a fact that I love to DIY, which is how this customized vinyl wall decal came to be.
Learn to make a pebble bath mat with simple materials and techniques.
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For all those stay-at-home moms who have very busy lives, this DIY is for you! Or anyone who loves an excuse to be pampered just a bit every day.
Unfortunately, going to the spa isn't a realistic or practical option for many of us. Which is why something as simple as this DIY Pebble Bath Mat can make the world of difference, turning an everyday shower into a treat. So take comfort the next time you get a spare minute to soak in some suds!
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Growing your own herbs is incredibly satisfying. Not only do they take up very little space, they take your cooking to new heights as you start experiment with different flavor profiles, you can even read our guide to choosing your own here.
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This is not a post about deceiving your landlord. This post is about updates you can make to your rental that more than likely don't need your landlord's permission. My husband and I are landlords. Rentals are a part of our full-time job; so here are some things WE wouldn't mind you doing if you lived in our rentals ... and I bet your landlord might feel the same way. If you're sick of ugly apartment cabinets and want to cover them, or just can't stand the light fixtures in your space, here are some simple ideas for you.
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On today's episode of #toolschool we're talking about gallery walls:
I don't think I'll ever be over gallery walls. No matter their size, shape, or style, they never disappoint me. I love how much personality they have. I love that they can be perfectly symmetrical and organized, or relaxed and eclectic. No matter your style, the one thing you need when creating a gallery wall is balance.
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Now that I have a little one to care for, I’ve come to realize just how wonderful story time can be. Sharing books with Lauren is one of my favorite pastimes… especially the books that I used to read when I was a kid (those are my favorites!). Of course, with a well-stocked bookshelf comes the need for some nice bookends to hold everything in place. So I decided to whip up these pretties for bubba’s room, and they’re so easy to make, I just had to share these DIY mountain bookends with you too!
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With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's time to start making plans. Nothing screams Valentine's Day quite like conversation hearts. They're colorful, they're graphic, and they say something (sorta) meaningful in ten characters or less. But, they taste kinda icky, so this year, I'm combing the classic conversation heart with something we all actually want to eat: chocolate.
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Valentine's Day is almost here! The older I get, the more sentimental I become - meaning I really enjoy February 14th. I understand that it's a silly holiday, but it feels sillier to hate on a holiday that's all about love. That being said, I don't think it's necessary to spend a gross amount of money on dinner, flowers, and gifts in order to have a great time with your partner. The whole fancy dinner thing is a little played out. There are far better ways to celebrate love and make memories with your significant other. Here are 82 different date ideas that don't involve making last-minute dinner reservations.
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The month of January is usually all about improvement. You get a gym membership, you begin eating healthier, you buy a planner, and you start recycling. In this season of self-care, it's good to reflect on how our home benefits us - specifically, the things within our home. Houseplants are a great addition to any dwelling, not only because they visually make spaces feel more "alive," but because they are also good at improving health and productivity. Want some more good news? There are also air-purifying houseplants that can naturally clean out organic pollutants in your home. Check out these attractive plants that can make your home happier and healthier in the new year.
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Pinterest is filled with organizing hacks, promising to help you achieve your wildest organizational dreams. But just how good are they? I set out to test 10 of them, and today I'm sharing the results with you. Click through to compare their versions with mine, and to read my thoughts on the functionality of each one.
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If you're anything like me, you have a running list of projects you want to try. Things you save repeatedly on Pinterest, ideas you scribble down in the back of your planner, or maybe you just keep a mental list in your brain. Clothesline baskets have been on my want-to-try list for forever, and this week I took the plunge. After conquering the first one, I want to make a million of these clothesline baskets. A million! Additionally, I'm loving the simple stripe in this basket. We're exploring all things Scandinavian this month, and this basket fills the bill with equal parts monochrome and texture.
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As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to love burning candles at home. I now enjoy buying seasonal scents in pretty containers, and I’ve learned to love making my own candles. With industrial-style accents becoming increasingly popular, I made a set of concrete soy candles with beautiful wood wicks using rose, one of my favorite scents.
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It's the season of organization and purging, and it's high time to get real with ourselves. Let's talk about the junk drawer. You know the one I'm talking about. The drawer that holds everything and anything: takeout menus, a few rubber bands, hardware from that IKEA chair you bought two years ago, and an orange-handled pair of scissors. Maybe you are one of the blessed few who has managed to avoid the never-ending pit that is the junk drawer. Good for you - gold medal in adulting. If you are an actual human being like the rest of us, or just need a place to put all your tools, why not roll'em?
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Every January, people across the globe make a goal of living a more simple and clutter-free life. We all have our take on being minimalist and how best to achieve it. Here are five minimalist blogs you should be reading to help you on your way!
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Everyone loves to receive gifts, but I like giving them just as much. And by making a reusable box to place items in, you can make the giving experience that much more beautiful. This wood veneer gift box is easy to make, and your recipient will be able to continue to use it. Or, just whip up several of these for your own personal storage. They look amazing on a desk or shelf, and are a great way to store craft and office supplies!