It is hard to believe that autumn is in full swing and the weather is turning colder by the day. It is that time of year when we need to think of winterizing our homes. Winterizing doesn’t have to be a big expensive production. There are lots of ways to weatherproof your home even if you are on a budget.
Most weatherproofing can be done by you, no need to call a professional. Here are a couple of easy jobs that will make a big difference when the cold weather blows in. Clean all gutters and downspouts in early fall and …read more

A lot of people love to keep a garden in spring and summer, myself included, so it is always a little sad when you have to cut back the garden and prepare it for the winter. I seem to get a little grouchy when this happens. So, after mulling this over for a bit I thought, “why not start an indoor garden?” That is exactly what I did.
Indoor gardens can be made to exude beauty in a room.  They are the perfect solution for apartment dwellers who don’t have room for an outdoor garden. Believe it or not, indoor plants …read more

Are you thinking of redecorating or just freshening up your home for the holidays? I have a few tips that may help.  No one  has a lot of money to spend at this time of year, so let’s look at some practical solutions available for the least amount of spending cash.
Changing your curtains or getting a new window treatment can completely change the look of a room. It doesn’t matter whether you choose sheer curtains, heavy draperies or a sheer curtain with an over drape. Window treatments express your style and also provide privacy. You can choose anything from a …read more

If your shower head doesn’t seem to be working as well as normal, then chances are it’s clogged.  Many shower heads get clogged with mineral deposits.  Rather than paying a professional to come in, you can try these tips instead.

Try to unscrew your shower head yourself.  Many of them can unscrew with your hands.  If this doesn’t work, you’ll need some plyers.
Wrap your plyers in tape (this is to keep them from scratching up your shower head).  Remove showerhead.
Use a toothpick to remove large clumps of build up.
Submerge the showerhead in vinegar.  You can use a bowl, bucket, etc.  Soak …read more

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

Summer will be here before you know it. Now is the time to be thinking and planning ahead for ways that you can enjoy the great outdoors this year.  Here’s some ideas to get you started.
Get a grill – If you already have a grill, then get it working.  Clean it up and change any needed parts.  You also might want to get a grill cover to keep the rain and weather from causing damage.  I don’t know about you, but once summer rolls around I enjoy cooking outside.  It keeps me from heating up the house and there are so many foods …read more

Here are some instructions for installing a home security system yourself.
1. Go to a secondhand store and buy a pair of men’s used size 14-16 work boots.
2. Place them on your front porch, along with a copy of Guns & Ammo Magazine.
3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines.
4. Leave a note on your door that reads:
Bubba,
I went for more ammo and beer.  Back in an hour.  Don’t mess with the pit bulls – they attacked the mailman this morning and messed him up bad. I don’t think Killer took part but it was hard to tell from all …read more

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

var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(320,213,235824,”http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css”)}catch(ex){}}()
Actually, I remove my summer wreaths the first day of October and hang my autumn wreaths the very same day. While some people hang one wreath on the door, I want to enjoy a taste of autumn too and I do it by picking up two wreaths and then lacing them onto fabric ribbon that can hang over the door. I don’t know about you, but those wreath hooks take up too much space and I never seem to be able to close the door tightly and with our weather, the last …read more