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 paint and sand the areas to feather the edges of the scraped paint to the rest of the surface.
• Spot prime the areas with a good exterior, stain-killing primer like Ace Stain Halt, which is low-VOC and easy to apply and clean up.
• Finally, repaint the siding with a satin finish exterior paint to repel moisture.

If the front door is looking a little shabby, consider repainting that as well. After all, it is the first thing people see when walking up to your home. To make your door shine, follow these simple steps:

• Start by using a sanding sponge to level off the old finish of the painted surface.
• Next, prime the entire surface with a durable primer like Ace Stain Halt. It is easy to apply, cost-effective and clean up is a breeze – all you need is soap and water.
• Once the door is fully dry, lightly sand the door before applying at least two coats of a high-quality exterior paint in a semi-gloss finish. Choose a color that complements your home and be sure to use a really good brush – it does make a difference.

Finally, finish off your entryway with new accessories. Replace door handles, doorknockers and house numbers with shiny new versions or simply paint your old ones to get that “brand-new” look. These small changes can really make a big splash!

How have you added curb appeal to your home?

image (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Keeping the Castle

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

Post from: Keeping the Castle

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 things that he was playing with while trying to fall asleep.  I put away all of the books and toys and continued to vaccum. 

It wasn’t long before I found another spot of clutter.  This time it was papers that I needed to look through and newspaper clippings of things I wanted to read.  Now the clippings were no longer relevant and in the recyling bin they went. 

Next I found a laundry basket.  Inside were a few washcloths, dishcloths, and underwear.  These were just a few items I was putting away the other night and didn’t finish because I got distracted.

It seems there is a bit of clutter in each room.  Today I am trying to put away these little piles and become a bit more clutter free.  That is also my challenge to you today.  Good luck!

For more Tackle it Tuesday projects, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.  image (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Keeping the Castle

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

Post from: Keeping the Castle

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

Post from: Keeping the Castle