How To: Use a Speed Square

Planning a carpentry project? Quick, grab a speed square! Also known as a rafter square or triangle square, this simp...

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How To: Find Property Lines

Good fences might make good neighbors, but accidentally building one on someone else’s property can lead to hard feel...

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8 Sneaky Ways to Furnish Your Home for Less

Believe it or not, you can buy new furniture on a budget. Whether you're furnishing a new home, or upgrading an old one, a little extra work can be the difference between paying retail price or snagging a bargain. There are plenty of creative ways to pay less for furniture. Here are eight of our favorite tactics for scoring big savings.

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15 Tricks to Know If You Hate Fall Yard Work

The beauty of fall is fleeting but the yard work that accompanies the season drags on forever—or so you thought. These 15 simple but reliable rituals make fall yard work as quick and easy as ever.

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First Look: John Deere 3025E Utility Tractor

John Deere is heavily invested in their compact utility tractor line and after the popularity of the John Deere 1026R, they have continued to expand. Their most recent tractor is the John Deere 3025E which meets the high performance needs and budget considerations of many users.

With the addition of a 25-horsepower option, John Deere now offers a reliable trio of compact utility tractors all the way up to 38 horsepower.

“Our 3E Series compact tractors have a reputation for being reliable machines that customers can trust to power through the toughest of jobs,” said Michelle Bentley, product marketing manager. “With the new 3025E, John Deere has combined capability and comfort at an affordable price, meeting a diverse range of needs for our hardworking customers.”

The 3025E model features an easy-to-use, two-range hydrostatic transmission (HST), increasing tractor performance while eliminating clutching for fast and easy direction changes. Additionally, Twin Touch™ foot controls provide an automobile-like experience while reducing operator fatigue.

The operator station offers users easy access to color-coded controls. These controls are ergonomic and intuitive, increasing overall comfort and convenience during operation. Each 3025E is equipped with a contoured, comfortable seat, and the flat operator platform enables easy entry and exit from the tractor.

A true workhorse, the 3025E can be transformed with a variety of implements, from box blades to rotary cutters, tackling any chore with ease. The optional iMatch™ Quick-Hitch provides easy rear implement hookup in seconds, while operators stay seated, allowing them to quickly move on to the task at hand.

The 3025E offers excellent serviceability, with easy access to regular service points, minimizing overall service time. Each compact utility tractor is compatible with the exclusive John Deere Service ADVISOR™ system, allowing for extensive self-diagnostic capabilities.

“The 3025E will surprise customers, who would, for the lower price, expect to find nothing more than a basic, ‘bare-bones’ tractor,” said Bentley. “Instead, they discover the nicely equipped, hardworking machine that goes beyond, providing reliable performance at an affordable price.”

To learn more about the 3025E Compact Utility Tractor and the rest of the 3E Series line, visit your local John Deere dealer or http://bit.ly/2bR3LFJ.

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First Look: John Deere 2032R and 2038R Utility Tractors

John Deere has expanded its compact utility tractor lineup with two new larger and redesigned tractors, the John Deere 2032R and the John Deere 2038R.

These large-chassis models are heavier, have a wider stance, and longer wheelbase, for more overall stability.

A premium suspension seat, ergonomic controls, tilt steering wheel, cruise control and thick rubber floor mat provide a comfortable operator experience, reducing operator fatigue. Additionally, the 2R Series Compact Utility Tractors are equipped with standard work lights on the fender and an optional premium LED work light kit, allowing operators to extend the workday, optimizing productivity.

“Our customers are looking for efficient, durable and easy-to-use solutions that allow them to do more work in less time with less effort,” said Jared Lowe, John Deere product marketing manager for compact utility tractors. “When designing the new 2R Series models, we focused on improving machine stability, comfort and implement attachability to deliver on those needs.”

The 2R Series tractors are designed to improve productivity through several easy-to-use features. The industry exclusive CommandCut™ lift system provides quick and accurate cutting height adjustments with the turn of a dial and the bump of a lever. This system allows for precision cutting and reduced fatigue on long days. The Twin Touch™ foot controls simplify speed and direction of travel selection, while the eThrottle feature allows the machine to automatically increase or decrease engine speed, and standard cruise control keeps ground speed consistent.

The 2R Series features fully independent implements, allowing for front, mid and rear implements to be installed at the same time and combined in up to seven different ways, increasing the versatility of the equipment. AutoConnect™ mid-mount mower decks provide easy attaching and detaching, and the quick-attach backhoe allows for installation without removing the three-point hitch draft arms. Additionally, the larger implement options from the 3R tractors are now available for the 2R series models, adding even more tasks the machine can tackle.

Maintenance is also intuitive with the 2R Series Compact Utility Tractors, which feature extended fluid service intervals and improved engine compartment access. Standard service indicators alert the operator of maintenance needs, such as when the air filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. Also, the engine oil dipstick has been moved to a more convenient location, making it easier for operators to check engine oil levels. Onboard diagnostics and Service ADVISOR™ connectivity allow technicians to quickly and easily monitor machine health.

To learn more about the new 2R Compact Utility Tractors, visit your local John Deere dealer or www.JohnDeere.com/2R.

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6 Must-Have Essentials When Packing Your RV for a Road Trip

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All opinions are 100% mine.

Nationwide provided me with information regarding its In The Nation blog post.

Summer is in full swing, which means families across the country are packing their RV’s for road trips into the great unknown. Whether you’re taking a long weekend or a few weeks, there are some essentials you need before hitting the road. The largest RV’s might seem spacious, but they can quickly load up unless you are careful about what you pack. Here’s our list of the must-have necessities for traveling in your RV this summer.

1. Emergency Supplies – Don’t just rely on your mobile phone to help get you out of trouble. Make sure you’ve got roadside flares, cb radio, and plenty of water, in case you get a flat tire or are stranded somewhere for any length of time. If you can change the tire on your RV, make sure the spare is aired up and you’ve flashlights and the proper tools to change tires. A 12-volt power supply can also come in handy for giving yourself a jump and powering up mobile phones and other devices.
2. GPS – A stand-alone GPS system (not one tied to your mobile phone), is a necessity for any extended road trip, especially if you plan on getting off the beaten trail. It can help navigate the time and distance to your next destination, as well as pinpoint exactly where you are if you need help.
3. Tool Kit – A basic tool kit can come in handy when traveling. Pack a set of screwdrivers, wrenches, utility knife, duct tape, and a hammer, to help you do some basic maintenance on your rig as well as anything else around your campsite that needs attending to.
4. 50-Foot Extension Cord – To ensure you’ve got access to power, bring an extra-long extension cord. This way you won’t have to worry about doubling up cables which can disconnect or having a cord that is too short to reach the outlet.
5. First Aid – From band aids to mosquito repellent and sunscreen, a basic first aid kit should always be on board your RV.
6. Fire Extinguisher – Check that your RV has a fire extinguisher on board and that it has not expired. Everyone in your group should be aware of where it is located and understand how to use it.

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s get to the fun stuff. We wouldn’t suggest you bring all of this, as we mentioned above the weight can start getting out of control, but bringing games and other fun stuff is what traveling is all about.

1. Corn hole and tailgating games – These types of games are made to be easily transported to the tailgate, so why not pack them up for the campsite. They can provide hours of fun and some healthy competition within your group.
2. Fishing poles – Fishing is a wonderful pastime and a great way to enjoy the great outdoors. Come prepared with fishing poles and tackle and you’ll never miss out on catching your meal for the night.
3. Flashlights – Always bring plenty of flashlights which are not only useful but fun for taking night hikes.
4. S’mores sticks – Bring proper wood handled s’mores sticks so you can roast your marshmallows without burning the handle or your hand.

For more tips and information visit the The Nationwide blog and check out their article “What to Pack for an RV Trip: Don’t Forget the Basics“

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Solved! What to Do About a Leaky Roof

Q: Help! I woke after last night’s storm to find a discoloration on the kitchen ceiling and a puddle beneath. What do...

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Bob Vila Radio: Outdoor Speakers Hit a High Note

mp3 fileListen to BOB VILA ON OUTDOOR SPEAKERS or read the text below:Audio speakers designed for the outdoors? They’...

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10 Tiny Gardens You Can Grow on Your Windowsill

Starting your own garden doesn't have to be daunting. Start as small as you like with a windowsill garden. These space-saving planters are just right for a modest indoor garden—whether you're a green thumb or a chronic plant killer.

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All You Need to Know About Dry Wells

If storm water races from your yard and across the next lawn over after every heavy rain—washing out a flowerbed and ...

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DIY Lite: Build a Backyard Hammock Stand from Scratch

Wish that you had a relaxing moment in a camping hammock in your own backyard, but have nowhere to hang it? Rather th...

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Studio Progress Update – August

It’s been two weeks since I updated you on my Studio progress.  I’ve been busy and made lots of progress, I think.  There’s no big project reveal or even a single project tutorial to share.  Just a whole bunch of different areas where I’ve made progress, added to, built up or tore out… Right after I […]

The post Studio Progress Update – August appeared first on Sawdust Girl®.

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Back to School Shopping List (for Mom)

My kiddos went back to school in early August (I swear, it gets earlier and earlier every year, doesn’t it?), and while everyone is in the thick of it with all things “back to school,” I thought I would compile a fun back to school shopping list for Mom. While we’re busy sharpening pencils,  stuffing glue sticks and washable markers into backpacks, and sending our children off to school, why can’t we have a little fun in the school supply department and stock up on pretty goodies for ourselves? I know I get a lot more work done when my boys are in school anyway, so might as well snatch up a few items for my “mom cave”/office. While I was dreaming and scheming about what my dream “back to school” shopping list would include, I thought I would put together a fun mood board and source list to share with you! (Affiliate links included below for your convenience.) Simply hover over the graphic to reveal links to each product page. Enjoy!

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What would your dream back to school (as in, the kids are going back to school so buy yourself something nice) list include?

You can also connect with me here:

Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

The post Back to School Shopping List (for Mom) appeared first on Erin Spain.

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10 Tiny Gardens You Can Grow on Your Windowsill

Starting your own garden doesn't have to be daunting. Start as small as you like with a windowsill garden. These space-saving planters are just right for a modest indoor garden—whether you're a green thumb or a chronic plant killer.

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11 Clever Ways to Capitalize on Awkward Corners

Awkward corner no more! Say goodbye to the unusual and unusable spaces in your home. Here are 11 ways to transform any problem area into your new favorite spot.

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3 Fixes for Sticky Tree Sap

The beauty, shade, and privacy offered by trees make them a popular environmental feature for any property. But many ...

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15 Clever Tricks to Know if You Hate Fall Yard Work

The beauty of fall is fleeting but the yard work that accompanies the season drags on forever—or so you thought. These 15 simple but reliable rituals make fall yard work as quick and easy as ever.

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How To: Remove Paint from Clothes

It’s bound to happen. You’re just going to do a bit of touch-up or you accidentally brush up against a still-wet proj...

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So, You Want to... Build a Floating Deck

Summer isn’t summer unless you’re soaking up the sun, grilling, and chilling in your own backyard. Yet a traditional ...

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8 Common Lighting Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes

A light is a light, right? Well, not quite. The truth is that when it comes to residential lighting, many homeowners mistakenly believe that any light will do the same job. Perhaps they choose the wrong fixture: overhead lighting, pendant lights, wall sconces, or lamps work only when used in the right context. Or maybe they ignore the impact lighting has on mood, home design, and how we see ourselves. With a little education, though, any homeowner can see their lighting design in—well—a whole new light. Click through to learn about the most common lighting mistakes and how to fix them.

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The Right Stuff: 3 Types of Safety Gear You Need for Heavy-Duty DIY

Few do-it-yourselfers would consider remodeling a room, building an addition, or addressing a plumbing or electrical ...

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How To: Cut Brick

Many home improvement enthusiasts choose to enhance their landscapes with the DIY installation of brick patios, walkw...

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How To: Clean Air Conditioner Coils

During the hottest days of the year, it’s likely that you rely heavily on an air conditioning unit—be it targeting yo...

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How To: Choose a Radiant Floor Heating System

Whether it's a new floor for the living room or new cabinetry for the kitchen, remodeling typically involves changing...

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10 Times Doing It Yourself Doesn’t Save You Money

The do-it-yourself ethos is one we heartily applaud. Most services provided by home maintenance pros aren't cheap, so taking care of small fixes on your own can save you big bucks. But sometimes the DIY route can wind up costing you more in the end. Here are 10 cases when you should put down your tool kit—and pick up the phone.

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Genius! Double Your Grilling Space Without Spending a Dime

From searing a steak to piecing together the perfect kebabs, manning the grill is a juggling act. For BBQ-ers without...

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Family Room Makeover Plans & Moodboard

I’ve been scheming for quite some time, trying to figure out exactly what I wanted to do with the family room. I’ve finally thrown together some family room makeover plans which I’ll share with you today, and I’m working behind the scenes to make this vision come to life in the coming weeks. The thing is, while I gave this room a makeover soon after we moved in, it’s never really been 100% “my style.” The room needed to be addressed right off the bat after moving in because it was dark and depressing since it doesn’t get much natural light, and the red brick fireplace was just sucking the light (and the life) out of the space. I immediately whitewashed the brick, which improved the look and feel of the room by leaps and bounds.

Here’s the room when we moved in:

And here it is updated with the whitewashed fireplace:

I made the room as presentable as possible with the little budget we had, since we had much bigger fish to fry during our first year in the house. Basement waterproofing, air conditioner replacement, TWO hot water heater replacements … you get the drift. Basically all of the “not so fun” improvements that you can’t even see but they cost a fortune. (Oh the joys of home ownership, right?) Anyway, while the family room looked decent, it wasn’t entirely my style and it’s never really looked the way I wanted it to. I’m finally ready to focus some energy on this space, and here’s the general look I’m going for. (P.S. You can hover over the graphic to reveal links to some of the products if you’re interested.) Ignore the silver metal chairs in front of the fireplace as those have been moved outside to the deck.

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Here’s what’s on the “to do” list:

Paint the walls. Again.

We painted the walls Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray the first year we moved in, and while it’s an ok neutral (I actually love it in my mom cave), it’s just a little bit more bland than what I’d like for this space. I tend to gravitate more toward cooler colors, and I loved Gray Owl so much when I used it in our bedroom that I’m giving it another shot, this time downstairs. Since the same wall connects our family room to our kitchen, I’ll be painting that entire half of the downstairs. I love Gray Owl because while it’s a pretty light gray, it also has blue and green undertones and changes depending on the time of day and what type of light hits it.

Make over the fireplace. Again.

While I’m happy with the whitewashed look of the brick, I want to give it one more coat of white paint since it’s a little bit uneven in some areas and has absorbed a bit more than I wanted it to. I’ll make the coverage a tad more opaque than it currently is, but keep the overall look. The mantel will get a coat of dark charcoal gray paint.

Here’s a photoshopped version of what I’m thinking.

 

At first, I was a little bit afraid of going this route since I don’t necessarily “hate” the wood stain, but it’s not my favorite, and we plan on totally refacing the fireplace and adding a new mantel at some point in the future, so I don’t mind the idea of experimenting with a different look for now.

Add new art

I’ll be replacing the sunburst mirror and photos on the mantel with some beautiful art from Minted, and hope to add some height to the room by incorporating some taller frames. I’ll also be swapping out some frames around the TV and having a print framed by Framebridge for over the armchair which I can’t wait to show you!

New rug

Our dirty Target rug is out, and a new rug is in. I want to incorporate more blues into the space, starting with the rug. I never was crazy about the lack of contrast between the tan rug and the floors (which I also hate and we will eventually replace — it’s laminate and I always say it looks like a basketball court, but we’re working with it for budget reasons for the time being).

Add curtains

I’ll be making curtains for our back bay windows/door that lead out to the sunroom, and I’m leaning toward using an indigo shibori fabric.

Pillows

I’ll be mixing patterns and texture to complement the blue color scheme.

Coffee Table

The peeling fake leather storage ottoman has GOT to go. It has served us well for many years, and provided us with much needed toy storage when our older boys were little and we lived in a much smaller home, but we don’t use it for storage anymore and it’s peeling and looks terrible. It’s time to take it out to pasture if you know what I mean. I go back and forth between wanting something upholstered and wanting something round with a warm wood tone. Since we do still have a toddler, it will have to be somewhat kid-friendly with no sharp corners or glass. I’m loving this one from West Elm.

TV Stand/Credenza

We’ll be getting rid of our old espresso-toned TV stand and swapping it out with either a Mid-Century piece (because I love an eclectic feel and mixing styles, and the hubs is Mid-Century obsessed), or some other cool or interesting piece if we can find one while thrifting. I’m thinking probably wood-toned, but I’m open to painting something. I’d also like to mount the TV on the wall above it. I’ll also be switching out the frames/photos surrounding the TV. So we will be saying buh-bye to this dark, boring setup.

Built-Ins

We have built-in bookcases flanking the fireplace, and last year I added this wallpaper backing. I’m not sure yet if it will stay or be replaced with something that might clash less with the new design. I’ll just have to play around with it and see.

Of course I’ll be sharing my progress with you as I go along. If you’re not following me on Instagram or Snapchat, please do! I’ll be sharing plenty of behind the scenes peeks.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THESE POSTS:

• How to Whitewash a Brick Fireplace
• Master Bedroom Makeover
• All About Our New Sofa
• or check out my project gallery here

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

You can also connect with me here:

Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

The post Family Room Makeover Plans & Moodboard appeared first on Erin Spain.

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Editors' Picks: 10 Favorite Sofas Under $1,000

There's nothing more futile than the search for a couch that's both affordable and comfortable—or so it can seem to today's budget-conscious shopper. Many sofa seekers visit secondhand shops and scour Craigslist to find a good deal on a gently used piece. However, not everyone wants to devote that kind of time and energy to track down what's essentially a used piece of furniture. In fact, you can get a good deal on a new sofa, if you know where to look. We've rounded up some of the best quality couches at the lowest prices to help you start the search. From pint-sized loveseats to sprawling sectionals and sofa beds, there's something here for everyone. Flip through to find the one that's right for your space.

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The Dos and Don’ts of Spray Painting

When you need a quick, cool upgrade that doesn’t cost a bundle, spray paint is hard to beat. A host of exciting new h...

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Which Type of Dehumidifier Is Right for You?

Does this sound familiar? You step outside on a hot day, and though the weather may not be ideal, you can certainly t...

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Where to Eat in Charleston, SC

When I was trying to figure out how to squeeze our weekend in Charleston into one blog post, I quickly realized that just wasn’t going to be possible. We packed so much into those couple of days, and I want to share it all with you! Today’s post is all about the food, because let’s face it, it deserves a dedicated blog post. (You can check out our travel guide of things to do & see here, and our tour of the historic Nathaniel Russell House here.) Good food is such an integral part of any vacation, and Charleston boasts some of the best dining options in the country, if you ask me. So let’s get down to business.

Where to Eat in Charleston, South Carolina

There are so many wonderful restaurants in Charleston, and there’s no way I could possibly cover them all here. Today I’m going to focus on where we ate during our short weekend getaway, as we tried to choose the best of the best, as well as a few new places we had never been before. You can always hit the tourist hot spots like Hyman’s (which we skipped this time), and we had planned on going to Hank’s (another highly recommended high-end spot), and Hominy Grill, but we just didn’t have time.

Let’s start with our absolute, hands down favorite spot: Husk.

Known for their Southern cuisine and charming atmosphere, with award-winning chef Sean Brock at the helm, this amazing restaurant’s ever-changing menu is dictated by which local ingredients happen to be readily available at any given time. We tried to get a reservation several weeks in advance and they were all booked up, so we made it our mission to get there right when they opened at 5:30pm and put our name in. With an estimated wait time of an hour and 45 minutes, we were able to go shopping on nearby King Street and hang out at Husk’s bar next door while we waited on them to text us to let us know our table was ready. We had drinks and appetizers at the bar and ended up getting seated 30 minutes earlier than predicted, which was nice. We got a prime spot on the upstairs balcony. I ordered the grouper and Chris got the catfish, both of which were delicious.

We shared a side of cornbread which was amazing.

For dessert, I got the Apple Cider Sorbet with Poached Peaches and Berries. Wow, is all I can say. I did let Chris try a bite, but I ate the rest.

Husk is pricey, so it’s definitely a “special occasion” sort of place, but we loved it and would definitely go back. It was worth every penny.

Another dinner spot we tried was Xiao Bao Biscuit, an Asian Soul Food spot with a seasonally-changing menu and rotating daily specials. It’s more of a hipster joint (so obviously Chris picked it), but it was definitely a unique and interesting place to try. Not your typical Charleston spot, but the food was good. A little spicy for my taste, but Chris liked it a lot. It’s worth a try if you’re looking for something new and different.

Now let’s backtrack and talk about brunch. On Saturday, we went to one of our favorite spots from our first trip to Charleston together 10 years ago: Poogan’s Porch. It’s located next door to Husk, also in an old historic home. There are plenty of fun ghost stories about this restaurant too! On our honeymoon, we ate there for dinner, but this time around we opted to try their brunch. I’m so glad we did!

I had the Chicken and Waffles which were crazy good. It’s actually a sweet potato waffle, which I had never had before.

Chris had an omelet with home fries which he enjoyed too. The biscuits were also delicious.

On Sunday, we ate brunch at Magnolia’s. I don’t have any photos, but we went in with no expectations since we didn’t know much about the place. We were blown away! I had banana pudding stuffed french toast with peanut butter syrup (yes it was as good as it sounds), and Chris had a ham and cheese waffle with an over easy egg on top. He says it might have been the single best thing he ate, aside from his meal at Husk.

Since we did brunch, we skipped traditional lunches and just snacked in the afternoon. We did enjoy drinks and appetizers at a place called Craftsmen Tap House. We sat out on their little patio and we really liked the atmosphere.

We also grabbed dessert at Carmella’s which was great. It’s located on East Bay Street, and it gets crowded at night but we were able to score a little table out front. Chris had a Tiramisu cup and I had Oreo Mousse.

I’ve been craving all of these wonderful foods since we got back home. We’re already plotting our next trip. We just can’t get enough!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THESE POSTS:

• Travel Guide: Things to Do & See in Charleston
• Historic Home Tour: the Nathaniel Russell House
• See all of my travel posts here
• See my project gallery here

You can also connect with me here:

Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

The post Where to Eat in Charleston, SC appeared first on Erin Spain.

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Use a Paint Sprayer to Quickly Refresh a Tired Looking Shed

Painting is a DIY project that nearly everyone has attempted. Usually it involves painting an interior room or wall, which can be done with a brush and roller. Exterior painting can seem a bit more intimidating, but believe us it’s not. Especially when you have a paint sprayer, which is the ideal tool for the job. We used a hand-held Wagner FLEXiO 590 paint sprayer, to quickly paint the exterior of our small studio in record time.

The Wagner is designed for indoor/outdoor use, and on projects of all types. The wood siding on our 100 square foot studio space was the perfect canvas to use our FLEXiO 590. The old paint was faded and peeling in some spots, so our first job was to scrape off the peeling paint and wood.

Next we needed to remove an exterior lighting fixture as well as tape off the door.

Next we simply loaded up the paint in the sprayer and went to work. We chose a firehouse red color as we wanted the space to pop and be a complete 180 from the faded dark red it was previously.

Painting with a sprayer is easy. Wagner includes a practice template you can use as well as instructions for how to adjust and hold the sprayer. There’s a knob on top that is easy to operate, and has settings based on what type of project you are painting.

Using the proper arm motion is also important for best results. Always keep the sprayer aligned with the paint surface and spraying directly at it. The FLEXiO 590 includes two nozzles. One for general painting and a detail one for fine finishing and smaller projects. We only used the larger nozzle for this project. The unit is extremely quiet and surprisingly light, which makes it much easier to handle. Fatigue often sets in when using larger sprayers, but with this one our arms never got tired.

We’re extremely pleased with the results and we were able to finish the project in under two hours. The prep and cleanup took longer than the actual painting. Cleanup with a paint sprayer is very important, as any residue paint will harden and can impede the use of the sprayer the next time you use it. Make sure you carefully follow the directions for cleaning the sprayer and keep it safely stored in the included carry case.

For more information visit the Wagner website.

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