A few years ago, we replaced all our kitchen appliances with Energy Star appliances and are reaping the benefits of energy savings. However, we still have a set of washing machines that my grandmother purchased for me over 20 years ago when I was still single. Given the sentimental value, and the fact that they’re still going strong, I don’t have the heart to replace them. Unfortunately that makes sustainable savings in the laundry room a challenge. They are energy guzzlers; my 1990s electric clothes dryer, for instance, use at least 17 percent more energy than those produced today. Continue reading
Category Archives: Home Improvements – DIY Renovations
Reduce Food Waste: Waste Not Want Not (II)
As you saw in Part I of Waste Not Want Not, in trying to live a more a sustainable lifestyle, it’s important to us to reduce food waste. In Part II, we’re taking it another step further. Along with reducing food waste, we’re reducing water and excess packaging waste to reduce our environmental impact.
Renovating for an Aging Population
Have you ever given any thought to renovating for an aging in population? Like the needs of an aging parent – or for your own future needs? Neither had we until recently! Birdz of a Feather is known for it’s in-depth, hands-on DIY tutorials. But today I’m stepping away and taking off my tutorial writing hat to switch it out for one that supports my role as a daughter. Continue reading
Mold Prevention After a Water Leak (Part 2)
Mold prevention – and remediation – after any kind of leak or flood is hugely important because of health implications. We learned a hard lesson last year after the pipe connected to our outdoor faucet burst and caused water damage in my newly built craft room. In that post (part 1), we showed you how we installed a frost proof faucet to repair it and make sure it wouldn’t happen again. Now that it’s Fall, we’d like to remind you to remove the hose from the faucet – even if you have a frost-proof one, so you don’t make the same mistake we did. Leaving a hose connected during the winter is a recipe for disaster! Continue reading
Kitchen Storage Improvements: Do This at Home!
Today we’re showing you how to maximize kitchen space with some kitchen storage improvements. Continue reading
Kitchen Renovation to Sell a Home
Without a doubt, kitchens help sell houses! So when we were thinking of selling our house, a kitchen renovation was a must! Unfortunately, the previous owner of our house didn’t think that way. Continue reading
Retro Filing Cabinet Makeover
Today’s post is a quick one to show you how Hubs made over the filing cabinet for his mancave. Continue reading
Front Paver Walkway Makeover
I had yet to install a paver walkway, despite owning and renovating two houses before this one. Hubs came into the picture shortly after I bought this house so it was great timing for me; maybe not so much for him! Faced with rows of underwhelming builder slabs that the previous owner lived with for over 20 years, the perfect opportunity presented itself for both of us to learn a new skillset! Continue reading
Foghorn Leghorn Clock – Ikea Besta Hack
And now for something completely different! When we didn’t have enough wall space for a clock in the Mancave, it didn’t stop us. We built a Foghorn Leghorn clock right into the door of our IKEA Besta TV stand! Continue reading
Crackle Paint Finish – Transformed Ikea Cabinet
Have you ever thought about a crackle paint finish to upcycle an Ikea wall cabinet? Neither have we: this update was a fluke! Hubs and I are supplement users so when our local pharmacy started a twice a year anniversary sale, we wanted to take advantage of the huge price savings. Unfortunately we didn’t have anywhere to store a 6-month supply of supplements until the next sale! Enter Ikea! Continue reading
Patterned Backsplash Tile – Tile a Wall (Pt2)
When we were looking for backsplash ideas for our laundry room, we fell in love with a patterned backsplash tile. Today we’ve got a tutorial specifically on how to install a patterned backsplash. I have to warn you that it’s a long post because there’s a ton of valuable information 🙂 Continue reading
How to Install a Ledger Board: Tile a Wall (Pt 1)
A ledger board is a must-have step for supporting the weight of the tile as it dries when starting with a clean slate (no lower cabinets). If you’re as indecisive as us and you want to move ahead with tiling a backsplash, keep this post handy. We’re going to explain how to install a ledger board to keep wall tile level when installing. Our updated how-to guide for tiling a patterned backsplash will follow here tomorrow!