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!

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Milk Paint for Beginners – Paint a Shelf!

Today we’re got a tutorial on how to milk paint for beginners. Are you more eco-conscious than you used to be when it comes to paint? So are we! Many manufacturers are touting products that are made to be low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), but did you know that there’s an ancient product still in use today that’s been low VOC all along? It’s good old fashioned milk paint!  Continue reading

Level a Basement Floor with Levelrock

A level basement floor rose to the top of the priority list many years ago when we applied to be on one of those home reno shows. They chose to renovate our basement! – or so we thought. In the planning stages of the reno, the show’s contractor discovered that the slope of our basement floor was too steep to build on. The floor was inconsistent and out of level by over half a foot in some areas! There wouldn’t be enough time in the production schedule to fix it properly so they were going to have to take a pass on us. Continue reading

Engineered Hardwood vs. Hardwood – Shopping (Pt. 1)

Some people are confused about engineered hardwood vs. hardwood. Are you thinking about installing flooring? Whether it’s below grade or above, an engineered wood floating floor is the way to go. Especially so if you’re planning on installing it over a concrete slab, like in a basement.

Nothing adds beauty and warmth to a home like hardwood. In this first of our series on how we installed engineered hardwood flooring in our basement, we’re exploring how to shop for it. We wondered if engineered hardwood would be as good as solid wood and were surprised to learn that neither one is better. Only by weighing the pros and cons of each can you determine which one is a better fit for your own situation. Continue reading

Water Leak Repair (Part 1) – Frost Proof Faucet

Water leak repair is something we all hope will never be on the to-do list. While water leaks and burst pipes can be a huge problem, we’re showing you how to tackle the repair in two parts. Today we’re showing you how to install a frost proof faucet. In part 2, we’re showing you how to prevent mold growth after water damage.  Continue reading

A TV Remote Control Caddy Worthy of the Mancave!

Revamped just in time for Christmas, if you know someone with an abundance of TV remotes, a TV remote control caddy worthy of the mancave should be on your gift giving list! It has been totally re-written with better step-by-steps, a supply list, new pictures and variations on the original project. Continue reading

Ugly Christmas Socks: X-mas Sweater Twist

Whenever my brother-and-sister-in-law host a Christmas party, it’s always a hoot. They go out of their way to make it interesting with games and competitions – for the little kids and big ones (aka the adults) alike. This year, my B-I-L and S-I-L introduced an ‘ugly Christmas socks contest’ to the festivities – a twist on ugly Christmas sweaters. How they ever came up with the idea I don’t know, but I’m always up to a fun challenge so was eager to get started. Continue reading

Shot Glasses DIY – Glam for the Holidays!

This shot glasses DIY is a case of thinking outside the box. An entire box of one dozen to be exact! I was so excited when Hubs found an entire box of shot glasses in the garbage. But he was going to donate them because they had a branded logo printed on them. Consequently, he didn’t think I could do anything with them. Boy was he wrong! And given the time of year, of course I found a way to make them look festive for the season! Continue reading

CO Detector Wall Safe: Hidden in Plain Sight!

Our CO detector wall safe is a great way to hide your valuable in plain sight!

In addition to turning back the clock an hour during daylight saving time, it’s a great time to change the batteries on your smoke alarms. And of course check to see if the carbon monoxide detectors need to be replaced! Since our CO detector was getting close to 10 years old, we replaced it with a new one. But what to do with the old? Continue reading

DIY Wine Bag – Wine Gift Bag

A DIY wine bag is always a welcome hostess gift to show up with something in hand or even at Christmas. In under an hour, you can easily make this last minute in a pinch!

We always seem to have more reusable shopping bags than we know what to do with. So why not upcycle them into a wine gift bag? With the holidays right around the corner, it’s handy to have a wine tote to carry some spirits to get into the spirit. Of course, it goes without saying that it could also carry a non-alcoholic drink instead; don’t forget about those designated drivers!
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DIY Man Cave Transformation

Our DIY man cave project was a long time coming. Hubs spent over 2 years renovating our basement in his spare time. Being that our basement is small, we split up the basement between three functions: a craft studio, laundry room and a mancave. However, I took the majority of the space for my studio. Not very magnanimous of me given that he built every single bit of it himself – single handedly (with the exception of pouring a new basement floor). Continue reading