Guest post by Lou Manfredini
Hello all! Lou Manfredini here, Ace’s “Helpful Hardware Man.” I’m excited to share some easy tips on adding curb appeal to your home this summer. Keeping the outside of your home looking great has two purposes: you’re able to see a home you’re proud of every day and it increases your home’s overall value.

One of the most important things you’ll want to do is to keep your home’s exterior paint and caulking in tip-top shape. If you have a painted home and there are areas that could use some TLC, follow this advice:

Scrape off any loose …read more

Are you looking to add some color to your bedroom?  Do you like to have a lot of matching and coordinating fabric in your room?  Do you need a new headboard?  If so, then you might be interested in this project from Better Homes & Gardens. 

Better Homes & Gardens always has great do-it-yourself projects and home improvement ideas.  BHG has step by step instructions on how to upholster a headboard.
To make this headboard you’ll need plywood, foam, and about 7 yards of fabric.  Check out BHG’s step by step instructions.
image from Better Homes & Gardens

Sometimes our houses can be clean, but they just don’t look clean.  Most of the time it’s due to clutter.  This is my issue today.  Does it ever go away?  With three young and active children, it seems I can barely keep up with the daily clutter.

Today it started when I went into the kid’s room to vacuum and tidy up a bit.  Next to my son’s bed was a basket where he keeps his stuffed animals and such.  I picked it up to vacuum and noticed it was mostly filled with small toys and books.  No doubt they were …read more

Do you have a tired looking lampshade?  Do you want to change your color scheme but your lampshades don’t match? 
Check out these fresh ideas from Better Homes & Gardens.  BHG has several different ideas for giving your lampshade a new look.  Some of them are easy, such as gluing on some paper or embellishments, and some of them involve sewing.  Choose the style that works for you.
image from bhg

If you’re looking for a cute Valentine craft, then you should try this button heart wreath.  It’s unique and easy to make.  Maybe you could make one with the kids.  Check out All Holiday Cafe for more information on this project.
image from Katelyn Thomas