10 Ways to Buy Better Curb Appeal for Under $50

It's a simple fact that curb appeal helps sell houses. But for those with no plans to move any time soon, a visually appealing exterior and landscaping is a point of pride, and a welcome sight whenever returning home.Take a look at some of our favorite buys that prove curb appeal doesn't have to come at a steep price.

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9 Things You're Cleaning Way Too Often

Your goal: To keep a clean house. But it may surprise you to discover that there are certain items and spaces in your home that actually don’t require as much washing and scrubbing as you may think. Of course, there’s no such thing as a house that’s too clean, but your time is precious. That’s why we've rounded up 9 things that don’t need to be cleaned as often as you probably clean them. Take some time now to learn where you can cut back, and maybe you'll be able to kick back a little more tomorrow.

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The Pros and Cons of Radiant Heat

It's no surprise if home heating doesn't rank high on your list of priorities right now, but let's face it: If you we...

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Habitat for Humanity Workshop

On Saturday July 30th, I’ll be at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Torrance, CA, leading a workshop demonstrating how to build quick and easy sawhorses.

Please join us, bring a friend, and stick around and shop for something fun at the ReStore

You can find photos and detailed instructions for building the sawhorses here.

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Avoid the Dealership and Get These Vital Auto Services Done Free

Unless your vehicle is under warranty, we suggest avoiding auto dealers for service. AutoZone offers a variety of free vehicle troubleshooting services that can help extend the life of your car.

Service centers at dealerships can be a hassle and many times the technicians and mechanics will push to simply replace parts and systems, rather than fix them. Basic tests can cost hundreds of dollars, but they don’t need to. AutoZone offers Loan-A-Tool, Oil Recycling, Charging System Testing, Battery Charging, ECM Testing, Battery Testing, and Check Engine Light Fix Finder, all for free. Once you’ve received the results of your test you can decide whether or not you should replace your battery or have your car serviced. AutoZone’s troubleshooting tests will arm you with the information you need to get your car running at it’s best.

Oil Recycling

We often wrench on our truck at home which includes changing our oil, and the responsible and legal way of disposing it is by bringing it to an auto shop. Every AutoZone takes used oil, just let them know what you’ve got and they will direct you to the oil recycling drums.

Battery Testing

Check the manufacture date which is usually a sticker located on the battery. Most car batteries will last 4-6 years but that number can be less if you live in harsh hot or cold climates. If you suspect your battery has gone bad and won’t hold a charge or is performing poorly, you can pull it out and bring it into AutoZone where they will test it and let you know it’s condition. If your battery is dead, they will recycle it for you and you can pick up a new one right there in the store.

Loan-A-Tool

There are some DIY jobs that require a specialty tool that you only need once and then never again, like a pickle fork or spindle puller. Instead of buying these tools that end up taking space in your garage, you can simply rent them for the time needed which is a better price then buying the tool outright.

Fix Engine Light

A fix engine light on an older car means one of the systems is failing and in need of repair, but it’s often not clear what the issue is. AutoZone can troubleshoot the problem and provide suggestions on how to repair it. They can also check the Engine Control Module (ECM) which can provide a lot of clues as to the problems our vehicle is dealing with.

We’d all rather spend our cash this summer on road trips instead of trips to the dealer, so think of AutoZone first when doing any auto repair or when your vehicle needs help, and you might save hundreds of dollars.

Gift Card Giveaway

To help you keep your car in top shape we’re offering a $100 gift card from AutoZone. To enter, simply tell us in the comments what you would shop for at AutoZone if you won. We’ll select a winner on August 15, 2016 at midnight.

AutoZone Coupon

If you don’t win the gift card, you can still save by taking advantage of this exclusive coupon.
$5 off a purchase of $25 or more
$10 off a purchase of $50 or more
$15 off a purchase of $75 or more
This offer is valid 8/3-8/30. Click here for the coupon.

This post is brought to you by AutoZone; the opinions are all mine.

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Bob Vila Radio: Going Green in the Garden

Playing nice with the planet includes conserving resources, and good old H2O is at the top of the list. Every gardene...

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How To: Clean Ceramic Tile

It’s hard to beat ceramic tile for beauty, versatility, and durability. Perfect for bathroom, kitchen, even entryway ...

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7 Things Your Lawn May Be Trying to Tell You

Your grass can tell you a lot about its health and well-being, if you only know how to listen. Learn the language of your lawn by clicking through this list of signs of the most common yard problems.

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How To: Get Rid Of Weevils

No matter how scrupulously you clean your kitchen, you may still open your cabinets one day to find them crawling wit...

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12 Things Your Plumber Wishes You Knew

Why does it seem like the times you really need a plumber are late at night, early in the morning, or on weekends, when fees can cost twice as much as normal. Chances are your plumber doesn't want to make a house call at odd hours any more than you want to call him. What you may not know is that many plumbing problems are preventable, or can be fixed on the cheap if addressed early on. We’ve put together a list of things your plumber wishes you knew so both of you can enjoy an uninterrupted weekend of relaxation or a worry-free night's sleep.

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3 Reasons to Love Sliding Glass Doors

With each passing year, it seems like homeowners spend more and more time outside on the deck, porch, or patio, enter...

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Hitachi Professional Twin Stack Air Compressor

The new Hitachi Professional Twin Stack Air Compressor (model EC99S) delivers plenty of power for your most demanding DIY and remodeling projects.

The Hitachi features an oil lubricated cast iron pump and thermal overload protection. This 4-Gallon twin stack compressor weighs less than 53 lbs and is easy to transport around any jobsite thanks to its ergonomic handle for ultimate convenience.

This portable compressor features a powerful 15 Amp direct drive induction motor for efficient and reliable performance compared to universal motor products. The motor also incorporates thermal overload protection that stops the unit in a possible overheating situation. The contractor preferred 4-gallon twin stack delivers a cast iron, oil lubricated pump for cooler operation during tough applications. It produces 3.1 cfm at 90 psi and 3.05 cfm at 100 psi. The locking regulator and 105 on/135 off pressure switch means no worries about pressure wander or pressure starved tools on the job. The industrial air pressure gauges are encased in steel for higher durability.

The only drawback we came across is that the oil dipstick is in a tough location to access, but besides that the Hitachi is an amazing compressor that won’t let you down.

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DeWalt Flexvolt 60V/20V Platform

The hype was huge, as DeWalt promised us “the world’s first”, but what exactly did that mean? Plenty as they blew everyone away with the introduction of the DeWalt Flexvolt 60V/20V platform that includes a 12” cordless miter saw, 8 ¾” jobsite table saw, 7 ¼” circular saw, ½” stud and joist drill, reciprocating saw, and angle grinder.

The showcase tools are the first of it’s kind 12” cordless miter saw which is powered by two 60V batteries for 120V power, and the jobsite table saw. The miter saw is also available with an 120V AC adapter so it’s not limited to just battery power. We hope this amazing accessory catches on as it’s a real game-changer for the trades.

We had an opportunity to get hands on with all of these tools and came away extremely impressed. It’s awesome that DeWalt made the Flexvolt backwards compatible so everyone who has invested in the 20V platform can still run their tools with the new batteries, and the new Flexvolt tools can be powered by the 20V MAX batteries.

Here are some videos of these tools in action.

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Milwaukee Tool 10″ Cordless Miter Saw

Milwaukee Tool has introduced the first 10” cordless miter saw. Aimed strictly at the remodeling and construction trade, this miter saw is powered by the new Fuel M18 9.0 high-capacity battery and promises nearly all-day run time.

Construction sites don’t always have AC power available, and lugging around a generator is not fun. This cordless miter saw runs on a single 18V battery and has all of the features you’d expect from Milwaukee Tool.

Designed with a POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, the M18 FUEL™ 10” Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw delivers a large 6” vertical and 2×12 horizontal capacity, giving users a solution to replace their corded miter saws. Utilizing the performance of the M18™ REDLITHIUM™ HIGH DEMAND™ 9.0 Battery Pack, the new Miter Saw delivers up to 400 cuts and an entire day of work on one M18 pack.

This saw will hit retailers in September 2016!

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Dremel Velocity VC60 Packs a Punch

The good people over at Dremel sent their newest tool, the Velocity VC60, for us to give a spin. As someone who just moved into a new-old house, I jumped at the chance to let this small-but-mighty combination tool show me everything it could do.

From Dremel’s website

The Dremel Velocity VC60 is the power tool that bridges the gap between traditional oscillating tools and rough-cutting tools, such as reciprocating saws and circular saws. The Velocity tool allows you to tackle larger jobs that other traditional oscillating tools can’t. With a powerful 7.0 AMP motor, an integrated control foot, 5 degrees of oscillation angle, and a newly designed, patented drive system, users can now feel confident about making long and accurate cuts quickly in a variety of materials. Velocity is a two position tool; with the control foot open, the tool is great for making long, accurate cuts in panel materials, and with the control foot closed, the tool is a high-powered traditional oscillating tool optimal for any cutting, scraping, sanding, grinding or grout removal application. The Velocity is an ideal tool for professional remodelers who want a fast-cutting, low dust tool to get through a variety of materials for any indoor job, such as a bathroom or kitchen remodel. It’s also great for the home owners who want one tool that does it all, rather than spending money on multiple tools to cut plywood, drywall, conduit, PVC pipe, 2 x 4 and tile backer during home repairs.

I’m planning on testing every last angle of what this miniature monster can do, but first up on my to-do list was the simple task of tackling a rough spot on the plaster wall corner in my living room. The previous home owners had installed a shelf, and proceeded to paint and replaster a handful of times without removing the shelf.

After excavating the shelf from the wall without causing too much damage, then spackling up the divots and drill holes, it was time to break in the Velocity.

With a 7.0 AMP motor, it’s no lightweight hand power tool. The roughly 4.5 lb weight of the tool wasn’t lost on me as I unboxed it and set it up for sanding. However, once I turned it on and made contact with the wall, the oscillating portions of the tool made it incredibly easy to manage. The quiet motor would rate, to me, to be lower than your average hair dryer, but still noticable in a room with a TV or other background noise. My kids were in the room and complained more that I had to move our television (that they were watching) in order to reach this awkward spot than they did for either the sound or the dust from the actual sanding.

In a matter of minutes, not only were the rough edges of my spackle job smooth and clean, but the rougher outline of paint and plaster that surrounded the former shelf were also blended into the textured relief of the wall.

What I was most impressed with is that it didn’t wreck the existing plaster texture — the speed and pressure of the Velocity was certainly enough to get my small job done quickly and fairly effortlessly, but without the collateral damage larger sanding tools often leave in their wake. One quick sweep with my vacuum, and you wouldn’t have known I had just sanded down a sizable portion of my living room (I was so enthralled with the ease of use with the Velocity that I actually spackled more spaces in the living room and took the tool to task.). A project that usually would have taken, by hand, a number of hours and a fair amount of anit-inflammatories later used up maybe thirty minutes of my Saturday morning, give or take.

The Velocity kit came with attachments for not only sanding multiple surfaces at varied grits, but three different cutting blades as well:

• VC490 Panel Blade
• VC494 Pipe and 2X4 Blade
• MM450 Wood and Drywall Blade
• MM70W Sanding sheets (3)
• MM70P Sanding sheets (3)
• Storage Bag

The wood and drywall blade will most likely be my next foray into the power of this oscillating tool — and with the handy storage bag, it’s incredibly easy to pack everything together for quick and easy (and dirty) projects.

I think the Velocity is a great tool for the moderately to highly experienced DIYer to add to their toolbox or workspace — it performs the tasks of several tools all rolled into one, and with the ease and precision that the Dremel brand is known for.

Stay tuned for part two of this review in the coming weeks!

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How To: Remove Rivets

Plenty of DIYers find themselves eager to start a project only to come to a full stop when confronting rivets. The fa...

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Charleston Historic Home Tour: The Nathaniel Russell House

I mentioned that we just got back from visiting Charleston for our 10th anniversary, and we packed so much into a weekend that I can’t possibly fit it all into one post. I’ll be sharing more about our trip soon, but today I wanted to share this beautiful historic home tour with you. I’ve toured the Nathaniel Russell House before, but it was a decade ago and I had forgotten how spectacular it is. Thanks to a VIP pass from the Charleston Visitor’s Bureau, we had the opportunity to check it out again, so we jumped at the chance.

I hope you enjoy this Charleston historic home tour as much as I did! First, a little history. Nathaniel Russell was an importer/exporter living in Charleston in the 1700s. He and his wife, Sarah, had two daughters, and this house was their dream home. The house remained in the Russell family until the mid-1800s when it was purchased by Governor Allston. It later became a school, but was converted back into a private residence from 1905-1955. At that point, it was purchased by the Historic Charleston Foundation and opened for tours. If you’re ever in Charleston, I highly recommend this home tour! You’ll hear a lot more history about the house and the Russell family too. Now, let’s take a look! I really wish I had been able to set up my tripod and get some great photos, but I had to quickly snap around groups of people as we were moving along, so I did the best I could.

The cantilevered spiral staircase is the most famous architectural feature of the home.

Check out the gorgeous, ornate moulding and architectural details in the drawing room.

I can’t get enough of this house. What’s your favorite feature? Aside from the breathtaking staircase, the apricot walls and beautiful moulding in the drawing room are probably my favorites. For more information about the history of this home, you can check out the Historic Charleston Foundation site here.

You can also connect with me here:

Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

The post Charleston Historic Home Tour: The Nathaniel Russell House appeared first on Erin Spain.

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Helly Hansen Workwear Blends Style and Function Seamlessly

To many Americans, Helly Hansen is a top-notch outdoor apparel company, but to the rest of the world they are one of the top workwear brands around. Workwear is what put Helly Hansen on the map, and this Norway based company continues to innovate by providing the trades with clothing that protects and functions better than anything on the market today.

Their new Chelsea collection of jackets, pants, technical tees and vests gives workers a virtual shot of testosterone with its moto-inspired demeanor, reinforced everything and ingenious functional features. Ditch the denim and t-shirts and go with a professional and rugged workwear look.

The Chelsea Construction Pant, possibly the manliest work pants on the planet. Designed for tradesmen, the lightweight yet burly cotton/poly blend trousers are fashioned with reinforced nylon, slots for kneepads, and built-in tool holsters that can be tucked away in the front pockets for a more casual look. This modern alternative offers freedom of movement, breathability, functionality and increased lifespan (MSRP: $88).

The complementary Chelsea Jacket is forged with the same cotton/poly blend and is comfortable straight off the rack. The jacket is detailed with nylon reinforcements on the shoulders, elbows, cuffs and hem, and has a soft, brushed polyester finish on the inside of the collar and cuffs – even the burliest of gents can appreciate a bit of comfort. Extra shoulder padding, multiple pockets, and a back expansion detail make the Chelsea one of the toughest, most functional tradesman jackets on the market (MSRP: $100).

Look to Helly Hansen for more of your workwear needs and you won’t be disappointed.

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Milwaukee Tool Now Does Outdoor Power Equipment

Milwaukee Tool is dedicated to servicing the trades with the best tools possible. This year they will take the leap into landscaping and offer outdoor power equipment.

Powered by their 18V FUEL platform, a string trimmer, hedge trimmer, and leaf blower, will be available this fall. They’ve designed these tools from the ground up and promise all-day power.

We had a chance to check these out at this year’s new tool symposium and were impressed with the design, power, and function of these tools. They are no frills solid tools that should have Milwaukee fans begging for more, and they are angling to be a major player among professional outdoor power tool companies.

Here are some videos straight from Milwaukee product managers about their new tools.

Check back in a few months for more information regarding the release of these new outdoor tools.

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10 Spots It's Okay to Snoop at Every Open House

Attending open houses can feel a bit awkward at first—after all, you’re basically invading the private space of a perfect stranger. But buying a home is a time to be bold. Make sure to be polite and discreet, and go ahead and peek into corners and covered-up spots. Knowledge is power, and playing detective can pay off royally when it’s time to negotiate a deal.

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Genius! Build a Bee Hotel for a Healthier Garden

Decades ago, famed physicist Albert Einstein predicted that once the bees were gone, people would disappear, too. He ...

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A Smarter Way to Keep Your Home Comfortable

In any neighborhood, in any state, homes built post-World War II typically share at least one thing in common—a tradi...

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9 Problem-Solvers to Snag on Amazon for Under $20

Start living your most convenient life ever, with the help of some of the most clever products available today. Read on for the full list of life-hacking buys.

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Under $20: 9 Simple But Genius Things to Buy on Amazon

Start living your most convenient life ever, with the help of some of the most clever products available today. Read on for the full list of life-hacking buys.

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New Engineered Countertops Fuse Beauty and Brawn for a No-Compromise Kitchen

In most families, the kitchen is the heart of home life. It's a space for so much more than meal prep—its countertops...

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AC Is No Sweat with a Mini-Split System

Every summer, sweltering temperatures prompt homeowners to take a renewed interest in air conditioning, whether it be...

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How To: Balance a Ceiling Fan

Even in the age of central air, ceiling fans still have their lofty place. The welcome breeze they provide evaporates...

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14 Insanely Easy Curb Appeal Projects You Can Do in a Day

Sure, you’d love to amp up your public image and be the envy of the neighborhood. You just don’t want to work too hard at it! Lucky for you, the projects here are a snap to pull off no matter how un-crafty you think you are, and they all go a long way toward making your home look special. So, check out this wow-worthy roundup and get (moderately) busy.

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How To: Repair Concrete Steps

For construction professionals and homeowners alike, concrete offers many appealing qualities, but there may be none ...

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14 Long-Forgotten House Trends We're Glad Are Gone

They don’t make houses like they used to—and for good reason. From popcorn ceilings to baby cages, these 14 awkward architectural accents deserve a place in our memories, but not in our homes.

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My Home Decor Picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

It’s that time of year again! Time for one of my favorite shopping events of the year: The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I always love perusing the sale online, and I usually end up snagging one or two things each year. I’m not a cardholder so I don’t get early access (boo!), but there are still tons of great deals. Today I’ve rounded up some of my favorite home decor picks from the sale to share with you. (If I could have just included every single item from the sale, I would have. It’s so good this year, friends!)  I wish I could buy it all! But since I can’t, maybe some of you can score a few of these items for your house.

You can click on the little black box on each item in the photo below to be taken to the product page on Nordstrom’s site, where you’ll see the price, how much it’s discounted, and have the chance to buy it if you’d like. (Affiliate links included for your convenience.) I’ve also included links below the graphic.  Happy shopping!

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1. Herringbone Rug
2. Dash & Albert Indoor/Outdoor Rug
3. Loloi Journey Area Rug
4. Black and White Herringbone Rug
5. Sherpa Lines Wool Rug
6. Marble & Wood Serving Board
7. Monogram Wood Wall Art
8. Monogram Wood Wine Trough
9. Monogram Wood Tablet/Book Stand
10. Round Wood Coasters
11. Gray Throw Blanket
12. Shower Curtain
13. Basket
14. Geometric Pendant Light
15. Tassled Throw Pillow
16. Marble Tray
17. Monogram Marquee Sign

Will you be taking advantage of this sale? If so, I’d love to hear what you end up getting!

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Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

The post My Home Decor Picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale appeared first on Erin Spain.

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See how Keen Utility Boots Are Built In America with Pride

When we first arrived at the KEEN factory in Portland, my fellow media tour participants and I were greeted with this sweet little video.

After some presentations, our group split into several smaller groups as we headed for the fully in-operation factory floor.

Keen Utility takes their products extremely seriously, from the pre-built components that arrive daily, to the assembly and quality checks that occur for every single pair, every step of the way.

We experienced first hand the care and passion for their products that the team members exhibited — no item went untouched, no shoe was just “good enough” — it all needed to exceed the standards, or it wouldn’t be shipped out.

Right as I felt like I had a really good grasp on the culture at Keen Utility’s factory operations, I was then paired up with Bobby From The Video himself, and under his tutelage, I helped him construct about eight pairs of boots.

Bobby’s enthusiasm and expertise were immediately apparent — he wasn’t just some mouthpiece for their marketing campaign, but a truly knowledgeable, dedicated, and appreciative employee and partner. What I thought I understood about the way KEEN does business not just on the retail end, but in the factory in the manufacturing aspect, was blown away by my brief moments on the factory floor.

Any DIYer knows the pride of completing a project, of making a tangible contribution — I was able to feel that tingling pride Bobby spoke about in the video, standing right next to him as we chatted about our children and work-life balance and he very patiently helped me through the steps of his station.

I had the same experience again, as I was allowed to trim the excess sole coating from yet another pair of shoes — no one judged me or patronized me for my obvious lack of skill at these tasks, but they were truly kind and patient and encouraging in a way that best illustrated the kind of workforce KEEN employs — invested people who are truly proud of the work they do, for the company they do, in the place that they do.

And truth be told, I honestly (and slightly proudly) spot KEENs in the wild all the time now, too.

Later this week I’ll go over the rigorous testing process every new idea and every existing line of shoes routinely undergo to ensure the highest quality products are on the market.

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The Top 10 Ways to Hack Your Grill

‘Tis the season for BBQ. But if you’re going to spend weekend after weekend standing at the grill, you might as well apply a couple of time-saving (and flavor-enhancing!) tricks to improve the experience, not to mention your food. These 8 summer grilling hacks take minimal effort to pull off, but you—and your guests—will be amazed by the results.

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The Essential Guide to Summer Home Improvement

Summertime is here! Yet while school is out for the kids, for their home-owning parents, the seasonal job of maintain...

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How To: Paint Stucco

Stucco is a particularly popular exterior finish for homes in the Southwest, but it can also be found texturing inter...

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10 Unusual Tricks for Your Easiest-Ever Paint Job

One of the simplest ways to spruce up your space is to add a fresh coat of paint. Painting is a fairly straightforward process that almost anyone can master, and in contrast to larger home improvement projects, it’s pretty inexpensive. Even so, there are a handful of tried-and-true painter’s tricks for prep work and technique that can save you time, money, and effort. Pros in the know use the clever tips that follow. Give a few of them a try, then marvel at the ingenuity behind each one. It'll be way more interesting than watching paint dry!

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So, You Want to… Install a Mini-Split

In all but the mildest climates, whenever the temperature soars or plummets, the typical homeowner faces a tough choi...

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Solved! What to Do about Wasps in the House

Q: I’ve found not one but multiple wasps hanging out inside my house over the past few days, but no nest. Where could...

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Bob Vila Radio: Quick Fixes for Furniture

When furniture fixes fall apart, it's usually because the tools and supplies weren't right for the job. Always rememb...

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The History of Pineapples (& 8 Pineapple Home Decor Items)

We just returned home from a fun trip to Charleston, SC, to celebrate our 10th anniversary. (You’ll hear plenty more about it soon.) One of my favorite parts of traveling isn’t necessarily the sights or attractions—don’t get me wrong, those are amazing too—but, it’s the stories we hear along the way. Charleston is chock-full of stories. With so much history, it’s impossible not to be. One little story we heard in passing during this trip happened to involve pineapples. Specifically, it was about the history behind pineapple decor.

I’ve always heard that pineapples symbolize warmth, welcome, and hospitality. I’m sure you’ve probably heard that too. That’s why you often see them above doorways or on porches. But I was fascinated to hear a story that delved deeper into the history of pineapples in home decor, and where that tradition originated.

You see, in Charleston in the 1700s when shipping was popular, women were not allowed to entertain if their husbands weren’t at home. (They were their husband’s property, after all. Cue eye roll.) When their husbands would return from a trip, they would bring all sorts of exotic souvenirs home, including fruit. One of these exotic tropical fruits was the pineapple, and it became customary to stake a pineapple in your front yard to notify your friends and neighbors that your husband had returned home and you could once again entertain.

After hearing this story, we were walking along King Street and ventured into Anthropologie where I spotted this brass pineapple candle, and wouldn’t you know, I just had to buy it.

I know it wasn’t made by a local artisan or anything, but it suddenly had some relevance to our trip and I loved it, so I snatched it up. Plus it smells amazing. (You can buy the same one here.) I thought it would be fun to round up 8 Pineapple Home Decor Items to share with you in case you want to incorporate this fun, summery fruit into your home too.

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Clockwise from Top:

Beverage Dispenser / Candle / Party Plates / Coat Hook 

Tumbler / Wall Decals / Art Print / Lidded Jar

Do you have pineapples anywhere in your home? I’d love to know! We actually have one in the moulding above our front door too which you can see here.

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Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

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