Feng Shui Decorating IdeasFeng shui is an ancient Chinese practice for arranging items in a harmonious way, also called geomancy. Feng shui is directly translated as wind/water. It is believed that properly placed items will increase the chi or qi, which translates into life force energy.
Making a Brick PatioI got these unusual old bricks from a friend. I'm fond of them because they say "Pacific" and I've lived in the Pacific NW most of my life. I wanted to use them for something special but I only had 28 bricks. My husband made this little patio off our concrete pad to hold my grill. It's the perfect size and leaves me more space on the concrete for other things. Here is how he did it.
Refinishing a DeckOur deck was built 11 years ago and was in desperate need of refinishing. It was covered in mold and mildew, which made it unsightly and very slippery in our rainy weather. We enlisted the help of our kids and were able to get it done fairly quickly. Now have a beautiful deck again!
Using Natures Own For Decorations, While Going GreenI love creating decorations from items that are free! Not only is it free, it smells nice, adds earthy freshness, and can be changed out and composted, eaten, or dried for arrangements. With apples from the tree, pine cones, and my favorite magnolia leaves, all of earth's freshness, can go back to the earth.
Christmas Draft StopperThis is cute and cozy way to stop those cold drafts from coming in under your door. A pool noodle is covered with cute Christmas socks, then filled with gravel and corked at the ends.
Repairing Scratches on a Fiberglass TubThis is a page about repairing scratches on a fiberglass tub. Using something abrasive on your fiberglass tub can cause scratches. Here are some tips for repairing the surface of your tub.
Building an Easy Wooden Outdoor BenchFamiliarity with power tools, some cedar lumber, and time are all that is needed to make this nice seating addition for your garden. This is a page about building an easy outdoor bench.
Make Your Own Storm WindowsThis is a page about making your own storm windows. Storm windows help prevent drafts and help to keep your home from losing heat. They can also be quite spendy, so here are some tips for making your own.
Easy Outdoor BenchThis outdoor bench makes for extra seating, not to mention a resting place when working in the garden! It is an easy, functional, and decorative addition to an outdoor space.
Installing Peel and Stick TilesAdding new flooring can be simple and easy when you install one pre-glued tile at a time. This is a page about installing peel and stick tiles.
Use Rose Scented Body Spray on Artificial FlowersArtificial flowers never wilt but they don't have the wonderful scent of natural flowers. This is a page about use rose scented body spray on artificial flowers.
Keeping a Trailer Cool in Summer?Hot summer days can make a trailer unbearably hot very easily. This is a page about keeping a trailer cool in summer.
Save Energy by Winterizing WindowsOlder windows can be the source of significant heat loss. If you are unable to install new windows, winterizing them can help conserve energy. This is a page about save energy by winterizing windows.
Insulating Windows With Bubble-WrapOlder windows might need to be insulated to save energy. Rather than purchase expensive insulation kits try using bubble wrap. This is a page about insulate windows with bubble-wrap.
Finding Inexpensive FlooringThe cost of flooring can vary quite a bit depending on the product you choose. There are many flooring products available that are on the less expensive end of the spectrum. This is a page about finding inexpensive flooring.
Frugal Ways to Hang CurtainsYou do not need to spend a lot of money on expensive curtain rods. This page contains some ideas of less expensive ways to hang your curtains. This is a page about frugal ways to hang curtains.
Installing a Baby Gate for a Wide ArchwayIf the room opening you are trying to span with a baby gate exceeds the maximum width of the gate, get creative. This is a page about installing a baby gate for a wide archway.
Refinishing Cultured Marble Counters?One way to refinish cultured marble countertops is to use the same painting process homeowners use on laminate counters. This is a page about refinishing cultured marble counters.
Painting Counter Tops to Look Like GraniteCreating the look of granite on your countertop using paints can be a real challenge. This is a page about painting counter tops to look like granite.
New Countertops for Less Than $100You can refurbish your laminate countertops for under $100. Learn how to get new countertops in this page.
Saving Money on Cut FlowersCut flowers are a great decoration for anytime of year. This is a page about cut flowers on a budget.
Painting Walls to Coordinate With Black Furniture?This is a page about painting walls to coordinate with black furniture. Choosing just the right color to complement your black furniture can really make your room look good.
Installing Self-Stick Tiles Over Ceramic TilesThis is a page about installing self-stick tiles over ceramic tiles. Self stick tiles are easy to install. Assessing and preparing the surface prior to installation is important for a successful outcome.
How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?Keeping your furnace filter clean and replacing it as needed will increase the efficiency of your furnace. This is a page about "How often should you change your furnace filter?".
Elastic Band Across Paint PotBy simply wrapping an elastic band around your paint pot, you can save yourself a lot of mess. This has two useful purposes. You can rest the brush on it and you can wipe off excess paint.
Finding Free Building MaterialsThis is a page about finding free building materials. One way to cut home repair or remodel costs is to find a source for free building materials.
Removing Excess Wood StainI recently stained my son's wood play kitchen, but didn't remember to wipe off the excess stain. The surface never fully dried and remained sticky, so I needed to remove the stain and start over. I tried numerous things to remove the stain and finally tried Paint Erase Stripper Gel, which worked really well!
Removing Self Stick TilesThis is a page about removing self stick tiles. Self stick tiles are easy to remove if you follow a couple of simple steps.
Refinishing Laminate CabinetsThis is a page about refinishing laminate cabinets. Some special preparation may be needed to refinish your laminate cabinets; but it can be done.
Hand Washing Vinyl SidingThe weather has been humid and rainy for the past several days. This morning, while checking the gutter for pecan blooms, I noticed that I could wipe the mildew off the vinyl siding with my finger making it just right for cleaning and not having to wet it down. I decided to give it a try.
Name Ideas for a Home Decor BusinessFinding the right name for your decorating business is essential to your business identity. The name should impart your sense of style and how you would like patrons to remember your home decor business.
Do Simple Repairs YourselfOver the years, I have challenged myself to be pretty self sufficient. I started growing gardens, baking my own breads, sewing my own curtains and clothes and even cutting my family's hair!
Install AC Unit Without Damaging WindowWith temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees F this week, we needed to find a way to install our old Air Conditioning unit in our brand new vinyl casement windows without damaging the window or frame.
Switching to LED LightbulbsWe already use compact fluorescent bulbs in our house, which to be really honest, I haven't been very happy with. They burn out much faster than the packaging claims. It seems like I am always saying, "I just replaced that light!"
Insulating a Crawl SpaceI went to Home Depot to get insulators for the crawl space vents around my house. I was surprised at how expensive these small pieces of styrofoam were. So I decided to look around for a better option.
Creating a Hardwood ThresholdWhen installing hardwood flooring, there are a number of ways to meet up with a doorway, tiled entry, or tiled hearth. In many instances you can avoid using a raised transition by using pieces of flooring.
Storing Paint CansThis is a page about storing paint cans. Storing your paint properly can keep opened cans useful for a longer time and save you money.
Refinishing a Wood DeckThis is a page about refinishing a wood deck. Time and weather take their toll on wood decks.
Installing a Cat DoorInstalling a cat door is an easy home improvement project. They can be installed in just about any door in your house or even through the wall.
Winterizing Your Mobile HomeThis is a page about winterizing your mobile home. Winterizing your home is a great way to stay warm and save on energy bills. This is just as true for your mobile home or trailer, even more so if it is an older model.
Removing Sulfur Smell from a Well Water System?Well water can be the best water you have ever tasted, but sometimes it can have a strong, unpleasant sulfur odor. This is a page about removing sulfur smell from a well water system.
Smart Decorating with 10 Year Old PaintOut of money and couldn't get a job, I decided to rent out my spare bedroom. The walls were riddled with nail holes and it hadn't been painted in 12 years.
Pill Bottle Hide-a-KeyIf you are looking for a way to hide a key outside, a pill bottle makes a great weather-proof container. With a rock to disguise the top, you can tuck it into a rock garden or partially bury it to hide it's location.
Bind Your Shop Extension CordI couldn't find a rubber band or any kind of tie to bind up my cord so I used a tube sock. First I cut off the toe end of it and stretched it over the cord that I had rolled up. It fit perfect and held it together without any problems of it snapping or falling off.
Painting Walls in a Mobile HomeMobile homes, especially older ones, have walls that are not the traditional drywall construction found in stick built houses. This is a page about painting walls in a mobile home.
Privacy Window Using Contact PaperI decided that I didn't want to use curtains on our bathroom window so I was trying to find an alternative. I looked at the window films that they sell and didn't like how expensive they were.
Marking Window PlacementLast year we decided that our living room needed some more windows to allow additional light to come in. We wanted 3 square windows to match another room in our house, but we wanted to see how it would look.
Wallpaper CaperRecently, when I tried to replace the wallpaper in my kitchen, I learned that '"Sometimes it's right to do the wrong thing.'"
Frugal Tips for Keeping Warm in the WinterThis page contains frugal tips for keeping warm in the winter. When the cold weather comes there are ways to keep yourself warmer without raising the thermostat.
Use Coke Tab to Hang a PictureIf you get a photo frame and there is no hook on the back, using a screw attach the Coke tab to the back of your frame. Then hang your picture!
Tool for Removing Old CaulkingI needed to remove the old caulking between the backsplash and the counter. I found a really neat tool at Lowe's that made this task very quick and easy!
Tiling Between Counter and WindowAfter our aged sliding glass door broke last winter, we had new windows installed (we'd been planning on it for a while). My kitchen was small and dark, so I really wanted a big, beautiful garden window.
Replacing Old Toilet with New Low-Flow ToiletThe toilet that was in our house when we moved in was always a little grungy. We wanted to replace it but didn't have the money or the gumption after we first purchased the house.
Take Better Care of Your PossessionsMy husband is a professional appraiser and furniture restorer. I am often in his workshop while he is working to repair a piece of what was once lovely furniture.
Painting Formica CountertopsMy home was a mecca of ugly and strangely colored laminate countertops; hunter green, brown, navy blue, beige, etc.. I set out to paint them to improve their look, thinking "they can't get any worse, can they?" Paint was my frugal friend.
Keeping Furniture From Sliding on HardwoodWe recently had hardwood flooring installed in our house. The first problem that I encountered afterward was that our couch needs to sit away from the wall, but on the hardwood, it always slid backwards.
Installing a Self-Closing GateThe gate to our front yard had a decent latch on it, but it was easy to not close properly. The gate kept getting left open and the dog would get out and run around the neighborhood.
Homemade Fire StartersThis is a page about homemade fire starters. You can save money and recycle some household waste products by making your own fires starters.
Building Corner ShelvesDo you have a small corner space in your home that you have trouble making use of? Making some custom fit shelves for the area can be a great functional solution.
Put Away Summer Structures in the FallPut away your backyard shade structure when the summer is over. We bought this one two years ago and didn't put it away over the winter. When the windy rainy days of spring hit, it just couldn't take it and totally collapsed.
Old Door Knob VaseEven the tiniest flowers in the garden deserve their moment to shine. But how to display them? Most vases are way too large for these miniatures.
Picture Frame Wall ArtOver the last few months, I bought a handful of interesting picture frames from second hand stores. I then spray painted them various colors and hung them on the wall in our dining room to add some texture to a large blank wall.
Painting Tips and TricksThis is a page about painting tips and tricks. Painting is a great way to spruce up your home, inside or out. However, if you aren't careful it can be much messier and more complicated than is necessary.
Homemade Deck Cleaner RecipesOne of the most important steps to keeping a deck from rotting is to clean it with deck cleaner once a year. To save money on deck cleaner make your own. This page contains deck cleaner recipes.
Landscaping To Sell Your HomeIn the current housing market, homeowners need every advantage they can get when selling their home. Making time to enhance your curb appeal is not only smart, it's an absolute must when competing for potential buyers.
Painting a Laminate Counter TopPainting your old laminate countertops gives your kitchen a brand new look without the expense of buying new countertops! Look below for first hand experience and step by step instructions for painting laminate countertops.
Storm Proof Your HomeMany of us are wondering if there's something we can do to better protect our homes from devastating storms. The first step is to listen to authorities and evacuate dangerous areas before the storms arrive. Homes can be replaced; families cannot.
How to Install a Dimmer SwitchInstalling a dimmer switch is a quick and easy way to add more control over the lighting in a room.
A Clean Sweep: Everyone Needs a...For most people, scheduling a chimney cleaning isn't an essential phone call. Yet for everyone who has any type of furnace or heating stove, it is a safety measure that can't be overlooked.
Be Prepared For Winter WeatherHere are some things I learned from the Missouri ice storm of 2007 and recent blizzards:
Things to Consider Before Building A FenceBuilding a fence is a long-term investment, so it's important to choose a material and design style that enhances your home and garden. It's also important to be realistic about future repair costs and how much regular maintenance you're willing to take on.
Buying, Storing, and Burning FirewoodWhen the weather turns cold, fireplaces and wood burning stoves are a great way to provide our homes with an additional source of heat and a warm and cozy atmosphere. Before you buy your supply firewood for the upcoming season, here are a few things to consider.
Top Ten Secrets of a HandymanI convinced my husband, who runs his own home repair and maintenance business, to give me his "top ten" repairs that homeowners can do themselves and his secrets for making them easy.
Painting a Faux Granite Counter TopI wanted to share my personal experience and tips for any of you considering doing this. I researched this project thoroughly before I actually took the plunge, and in my opinion, this method produced the best results.
Prepping for WinterFor those who live in a nice warm climate that doesn't shift for the seasons, the coming of winter brings significantly fewer chores. However, those who live in changing climates can save some money by completing a few pre-winter chores.
Color Primer: Choosing Colors For Home DecorChoosing the perfect color for that room can be a tough decision but I am here give you some tips on how to pick the color that will be perfect for you and your personality.
Thrifty Ways For Small SpacesAs everybody longs for a calming haven that encourages relaxation, having a small bedroom is not a hindrance for such desire. Of course, tearing down your walls and expanding your room is not frugal in any way, so listed below are some tips that you can do without spending that much money.
Smart and Thrifty Curb Appeal IdeasWith Memorial Day behind us, the unofficial start of summer is here. If the increased time you've been spending outdoors has made you notice some of the unsightly features of your home's exterior, then set aside time to increase your home's curb appeal.
Make It Almost New AgainThere are antique collectors and there are those who just enjoys incorporating the old piece into today's world. These are the people who can snatch up great bargains that the others have left behind. If you're not afraid of refinishing, repairing, or re-purposing battered antiques, then you have a gold mine awaiting you at the next swap meet.
Renovation Return ValuesReal estate sales might not be the most popular form of revenue this year, but it does feel good to know that some renovation costs are recovered during the resale of a home.
Energy Saving Tips for Using DehumidifiersIf left untreated, too much moisture indoors can lead to a host of issues, the least of which is the growth of mold and mildew. Dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture in the air. Here are some tips for getting the most energy savings and efficiency out of your dehumidifier.
Seal Your Home Against Money LeaksMany have heard that the typical homeowner throws money out the home's windows and doors. This saying refers to improper sealing in the home, allowing expensive heat and air conditioning to escape the house.
Removing Texture From a CeilingBack in the fifties and sixties it was really popular to put a texture on ceilings called a popcorn ceiling. One of the remodeling shows I am a big fan of, gave instructions on how to remove this bumpy, ugly, hard to patch popcorn ceiling.
Budget Kitchen RemodelThis budget remodel was the first project I have ever taken on and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Using the tips I've found here, for just under $2,000 I have a marvelous fashionable new kitchen.
Spring Spruce UpsSpring invites sprucing up, but budgets don't necessarily invite it. When your heart wants some fresh colors and subtle decorating changes, don't let your bank account stop you. For a few pennies, a fresh look can welcome you.
Be Creative When Hanging PicturesYou don't always have to hang your pictures at eye level. I have two "half walls" separating my kitchen from my family room. These two little walls needed something to jazz them up so I hung two of my 'Gregg Brown' prints.
Saving Money On Home MaintenanceFirst time home buyers are often surprised by the many expenses required for the maintenance of your home. Furnace and duct cleaning, carpet and floor care, cleaning gutters, the list goes on and on.
Home Improvement: Surprising Places for...When shopping for larger home improvement items, price outside the box. While the do-it-yourself option seems to be the most frugal, that's not always the case. Expecting to find the best deal at a large home improvement store rather than a specialized dealer is also a false assumption.
Tips for Winterizing Your HomeConsider getting your furnace inspected by a professional. Change your furnace filters monthly. Cap your chimney to keep out rodents and birds.
Thrifty Ways to Clean Up and Repair Your Patio...Before you stow away your patio furniture for the winter, take some time this fall to clean it up and make any necessary repairs. Check out how using these everyday household products can make this sometimes unpleasant task easier and more economical.
The Retro Has Got to GoSet the scene: your new home is beautiful. The kitchen's been remodeled, the living space is newly carpeted, and the bathroom has pristine green and pink tile. Green and pink tile? Yes, welcome to the bygone era of seashell colored bathrooms.
How To Clean Your In-Room AC UnitIf the air blowing from your air conditioning unit starts to smell bad, you may have mold growing in your AC Unit. This should be taken very seriously as the stagnant water can lead to fungi, molds, mildews.
Refinishing Cultured Marble Counters?To make this project easier I removed my faucet and drain.
Advice for a Backyard Patio?I am starting to get my back yard cleared out. About 15 trees will be removed, grass seed will be planted and I would like a small patio area to be exposed from the French Doors I hope to have installed.
Saving Money on Outdoor FurnitureTips for saving money on outdoor furniture as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. As you know, outdoor dining tables with their umbrellas cost a fair piece of change.
Saving Money on WindowsTips for saving money on windows as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. If you can get quality windows, even at a discount building material store, you will do well to get smaller ones that have the wooden or metal/plastic frames in the windows.
Cleaning Rain Gutters and DownspoutsFor many homeowners, cleaning out and inspecting gutters and downspouts is an unpleasant, yet unavoidable, chore that has to be done at least once or twice a year.
Pillow TopperThis is a pillow topper that I created to replace the typical sham. I just place it over my pillows in the morning. This is much easier and time saving than having to put on shams and it adds to the overall beauty of my bedroom.
Saving Money on Heating Your HomeTips and advice to heat your home for less this winter as suggested from the ThriftyFun community. To help heat our home, we winterize by covering all the windows with the plastic made especially for them.
Firewood Buying and Storing TipsIt's always best to shop for firewood before you need it. Sometimes you can find great deals in the spring and summer, before people are thinking about cool weather and warming their home.
Daddies Teaching Daughters: Easy Home...This is the second part of a series of articles about life skills a Dad can teach their daughters. In this changing world, the more that we can empower our daughters to be self sufficient, the stronger a woman we will build.
Save Money on Air ConditioningElectric bill high from air conditioning usage? I have two suggestions: Turn the air off and clean the coils. And have freon level checked by a professional and increased, if needed.
