12 Brilliant Hacks for Your Best-Ever Halloween Pumpkin

A picture-perfect pumpkin gives any front porch a magical autumn glow. Whether your ideal design is a classic face or an intricate work of art, these clever carving hacks will help you create the best jack-o'-lantern on the block.

from http://bit.ly/2cS7G53;

DIY_Express

5 Pests That May Be Living in Your Gutters—And What You Can Do About It

Day after day, largely unnoticed, gutters perform a critically important role by channeling storm water and snowmelt a safe distance away from your home. At least, that's how it's all supposed to work. But for gutters to do their job, you must do yours. That is, twice a year (more often on a densely wooded lot), you have to inspect and clear gutters of any leaves, twigs, and other debris. If you fail to do so, it's only a matter of time before the drainage system clogs and leaves your home vulnerable to a host of insidious problems—and not always ones you'd expect. For instance, if it's been many months since you last gave any thought to your gutters, there's a chance that they've become a harborage for all sorts of pests. After all, the shady, wet conditions in clogged gutters make for precisely the sort of environment that many critters like best. Some of those pests that find your gutters particularly hospitable are potentially damaging, while others merely pose a threat to peace of mind. But no matter what type of creature may be lurking in your gutters, you can depend on a simple, one-step upgrade to ensure that going forward your gutters remain free not only of pests, but also of the clogs that compromise gutter performance and make them a beacon for critters in the first place. Intrigued? Click through now to find out which unwanted guests may be residing a little too close for comfort, and what you can do to make sure they go away and stay away.

This content has been brought to you by Leafguard Brand Gutters. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.

from http://bit.ly/2cOW02T

DIY_Express

How To: Choose a Baseboard Heater

In this day and age, with our access to new, energy-efficient technologies, home heating shouldn't have to cost an ar...

from http://bit.ly/2dq7yr7

DIY_Express

So, You Want to... Build a Ramp

Opening your heart and home to a mobility-challenged loved one is a beautiful thing. And one way to make it easier on...

from http://bit.ly/2cOV5j2?

DIY_Express

The Essential Guide to Fall Home Improvement

While you were on summer vacation, your home was hard at work battling the elements. After enduring intense heat or s...

from http://bit.ly/2dq7SGa?

DIY_Express

17 Parts of Your Home You Never Knew Had Names

Your house is made up of walls, windows, floors, doors... and a bunch of other thingamajigs and whatsits. Here, a slew of architectural mysteries solved!

from http://bit.ly/2cOVEtk;

DIY_Express

DIY Lite: This Stunning Room Divider Looks Better than Real Walls

No matter whether you live in a large house with open-concept floor plan or a small condo wherein your living room oc...

from http://bit.ly/2dq7png?

DIY_Express

Your Top 10 Bathroom Dilemmas—Solved

From a casual analysis of popular search terms, we can draw a few conclusions about people's feelings toward their bathrooms: They’re too small, there’s too much stuff in them, and when they’re not building up clogs, they’re springing leaks. To free you from these familiar annoyances, here we solve 11 common bathroom dilemmas in the simplest ways possible.

from http://bit.ly/2dBychY;

DIY_Express

How To: Clean a Shag Rug

Shag rugs are enjoying a resurgence, thanks to their groovy textured looks and comfy feel underfoot. The potential bu...

from http://bit.ly/2dbzYba?

DIY_Express

9 Ways Your Neighbors Can Screw Up Your Home Sale

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for that perfect piece of real estate, you know that decisions aren’t made by checklists alone. Sure, factors like location, square footage, and number of bedrooms and bathrooms form the basis of any buyer's search, but there are plenty of less obvious things that can make or break a sale. In fact, house hunters may sense whether or not they'll be making an offer as soon as they drive down your street and take a look around the neighborhood. The lesson here? Even if your home is in perfect condition, your neighbors could cause your home sale to go south. Here, we share 9 ways your neighbors can hurt the value of your home, if you let them.

from http://bit.ly/2dByMMz;

DIY_Express

6 Tips for Keeping Laundry Smelling Fresh

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of ecover . All opinions are 100% mine.

I’m not going to lie. I loathe doing laundry. Well, the washing part isn’t so bad, it’s the folding and putting it away in a timely manner that seems to prove nearly impossible for me. That said, I have picked up some tips here and there for how to keep laundry smelling fresh, so I thought I would share a few of those with you today. Plus, I was recently introduced to some non-toxic laundry products from ecover that I think you’ll love. As a mom of young children with sensitive skin (and one with allergies and eczema), I have to be very careful about what products we use. Ecover Laundry Detergent is nontoxic, made with naturally derived ingredients, and it’s people, pet, and plant friendly.

I wash most of our laundry in cold water, and one thing I love is the fact that the ecover 2x Concentrated Laundry Detergent is tough on stains (even in cold water). As a mom of 3 boys, I’m sure you can imagine how many stains I deal with on a daily basis. Washing our clothes in cold water allows us to use less energy with each load. I also love the idea that it’s eco-friendly and made from plant-based ingredients, and it’s packaged in plastic made from sugarcane, so it’s gentle on skin and on the environment too. I’ve made my own detergent in the past, but I don’t always have time to do that, so it’s nice to have a gentle alternative that won’t irritate my little guy’s sensitive skin. Plus, the natural fragrance in this detergent will leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean without harsh perfumes, which is also a must in this household. I love the lavender scent. It smells so good! Everything they do at ecover is health-focused and thoughtfully made, which makes this mama very happy.

So let’s talk about keeping your laundry smelling fresh!

Tip 1:

Remove your clothes from the washer STAT. (Is this a challenge for you too?) I really struggle with this, but the fact is, if you let your clothes linger in the washing machine for too long after the cycle ends, it breeds mildew and makes your laundry stink! Set a timer so you’ll remember to throw the load in the dryer as soon as possible. (If you do forget, rewashing the load with some vinegar added to the wash will help get rid of the smell. Don’t ask me how I know.)

Tip 2:

Make sure your clothes are thoroughly dry before storing them in drawers. (See tip 1 about mildew!)

Tip 3:

A lavender sachet in a drawer is a great way to keep laundry smelling fresher longer.

Tip 4:

Don’t pile damp clothes in the laundry hamper. Hang them or lay them separately to dry while they are waiting to be washed. The longer they sit around damp, the more likely they will become mildewy, and the longer they sit with mildew, the harder it is to get rid of the smell.

Tip 5:

Keep your washing machine clean. Depending on what type of washer you have, there are different ways to deep clean and deodorize the machine itself. Leaving the door open between washes helps too.

Tip 6:

Use a good detergent! This goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway.

And I should add a disclaimer that I am guilty of not always following all of these, but trust me, “do as I say, not as I do.” I pay for it when I am a slacker because I end up having to run the same load twice, which is a waste of time and energy. I’m working on getting better, really! 

If you’d like to try ecover products for yourself, you can shop now and pick some up, or head over to their Facebook page to learn more. So tell me, what are your best laundry tips? I’d love to hear them!

You can also connect with me here:

Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

The post 6 Tips for Keeping Laundry Smelling Fresh appeared first on Erin Spain.

from http://bit.ly/2cXxWJ7

DIY_Express

Bob Vila Radio: Planning a Pet-Friendly Yard

Cats and dogs need just as much time outside as people do, but designing a safe space for pets and protecting your la...

from http://bit.ly/2dodCWo?

DIY_Express

What Are You Going to Do When Your Water Heater Fails?

To state the obvious, hot water plays a vitally important role in daily life, making it possible for households to en...

from http://bit.ly/2cyrfvZ

DIY_Express

Genius! Hack a Bookcase for Healthier Houseplants

Millennia ago, Roman philosopher Marcus Cicero wrote, “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you ne...

from http://bit.ly/2dodd65?

DIY_Express

Utility Sink Design Options

I generally have a plan before I share pictures with you but today I’m asking you to help me figure out the plan.  I’m stuck.  I can’t decide what to do in the area where I’m putting my utility sink.  My crafting supplies have been stored away for so long that I can’t visualize how I might […]

The post Utility Sink Design Options appeared first on Sawdust Girl®.

from http://bit.ly/2dejLyO

DIY_Express

My Home Picks from Rug Expedition {& a Giveaway!}

Disclosure: I received free product from Rug Expedition, and this post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

I’m thrilled to have found a new rug source to share with you! I’m almost done making over our family room, and I’ve also started a dining room update which will include a new beautiful rug from Rug Expedition. I plan on building a new dining room table and benches, and the new furniture and rug will create a whole new look in the room. I chose this indigo rug, and I absolutely love it! While I’m busy planning the room, I thought I would share some of my favorite home picks from Rug Expedition. I’ve explored the site and curated my favorite rugs and accessories to share with you. (Oh, and stay tuned for a giveaway at the end of this post!) Source links can be found below.

1. Sand Rug by Loloi / 2. Reversible Moroccan Kilim Gray / 3. Nepal Graphite

4. Reversible Moroccan Kilim Blue / 5. Ash by Loloi / 6. Blue Ikat Pillow

7. Greek Key Pouf / 8. Ivory Jute Pouf / 9. Ivory and Yellow Pouf

10. Multi-Color Pillow / 11. Indigo Rug by Loloi / 12. Turquoise Overdyed Rug

13. Pink Rug by nuLOOM / 14. Antique Navy Rug / 15. Asteria Blue Rug

Can’t wait to show you the dining room in a few weeks!

$100 Rug Expedition Giveaway!

Now, for the fun part. One of my readers will win a $100 credit to Rug Expedition to use on anything from their site! To enter, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter box below. The giveaway ends on Wednesday, October 26, at Midnight EST. That gives you an entire month to enter! There are several secondary entry options, and you can enter daily to up your chances.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can also connect with me here:

Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

The post My Home Picks from Rug Expedition {& a Giveaway!} appeared first on Erin Spain.

from http://bit.ly/2cGeoef

DIY_Express

11 Home Hacks You Can Do with a Bag of Groceries

The next time you're making a grocery list, be sure to add cleaners to your must-buys. Only on this trip to the store, you'll never have to set foot in the commercial cleaning aisle to snag your essentials. With our list of tips and tricks, you'll be able to pick up everything you need to solve myriad household woes in the produce section, condiment shelf, or alongside the kitchen paper products. Click through to discover unconventional household tricks that start at the grocery store.

from http://bit.ly/2diNsjh;

DIY_Express

Your Guide to Reviving a Tired Garage Floor

As one of the strongest, most durable, and longest-lasting construction materials, it's no wonder why concrete is the...

from http://bit.ly/2cW6nVu?

DIY_Express

The Best Way to Heat a Home with High Ceilings

As summer heat gives way to fall’s cooler temperatures, daily activities—from dinners to DIY projects—migrate back in...

from http://bit.ly/2diMzqH?

DIY_Express

11 “Zero Dollar” Ways to Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets

You don’t need unlimited funds to put a stopper on overflowing kitchen cabinets. These 11 DIYs can transform even the most cluttered cupboard into an organizational oasis—all with near zero cost, time, or effort.

from http://bit.ly/2daRRbM;

DIY_Express

The Best Way to Heat a Home with High Ceilings

As summer heat gives way to fall’s cooler temperatures, daily activities—from dinners to DIY projects—migrate back in...

from http://bit.ly/2cNwb2Y

DIY_Express

How To: Unclog a Bathtub

Nothing interferes with a refreshing shower like a slow-draining bathtub. And that inch or two of water that sneaks u...

from http://bit.ly/2daSX7B?

DIY_Express

20 Best Ways to Spend $20 on Your Home

How much does it cost to create a happy home? If your answer is thousands or even hundreds, think again. Each of these 20 DIY projects can transform your humble house into a perfect abode, all for $20 or less!

from http://bit.ly/2d2HiGx;

DIY_Express

How To: Descale a Kettle

As temperatures chill, who can resist a piping-hot cup of tea? But beware! If you fall into the tea habit, over time ...

from http://bit.ly/2cFN2Tg?

DIY_Express

Pumpkin Painting Workshop at West Elm

Hey friends! I’m thrilled to be hosting a fun pumpkin painting workshop here in Atlanta at the Ponce City Market West Elm store on Wednesday, October 5. You can register for the event here.

Plaid® was generous enough to provide a ton of supplies for us, so we will be getting creative and choosing from a variety of techniques to create fun, modern, painted, dipped, gold leaf, and/or stenciled pumpkins! We will have lots of supplies available to us, so guests can choose their own design and play around with several fun craft products. I’ll have stencils, paint, gold leaf, and more. And of course, pumpkins! Bring a friend and join us for the fun.

No worries if you aren’t local and can’t make it to this event. I’ll be sharing tutorials for these fun pumpkins very soon!

REGISTER HERE for the event. I hope to see some of you there! If you know any Atlanta locals, I would love it if you would pass the word along. Thanks so much!

You can also connect with me here:

Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

The post Pumpkin Painting Workshop at West Elm appeared first on Erin Spain.

from http://bit.ly/2daknGK

DIY_Express

10 Home Maintenance Miracles You Already Own

Before you make your next shopping list, shop your home for some of these ingenious household supplies. From the garden to the bathtub, these zero-dollar solutions will lighten your work load, not your wallet.

from http://bit.ly/2cQNaAD;

DIY_Express

How To: Spray Paint Metal

Metal furniture and ornaments are popular because they’re durable, but the longer a piece lasts, the older its look c...

from http://bit.ly/2d3TB6O?

DIY_Express

Step Inside a 1930s Beach House Revamped for the 21st Century

When its current owner first encountered this home on the shores of Truesdale Lake in Upstate New York, it was in a w...

from http://bit.ly/2cQMLOu?

DIY_Express

12 Things Realtors Look For in Homes of Their Own

The property professionals who show and sell houses for a living have to live somewhere too! So what’s on their “must" list for homes of their own? Real estate agents and brokers from around the country told us what they insist on—in terms of a home’s physical structure and features, as well as landscaping and neighborhood. As individual as these residence requirements may be, it’s no surprise that they all have serious resale value. So, whether you’re looking for a place or thinking of putting yours on the market—or just want to know how to keep your property appealing—read on for real estate specialists’ take on what makes a house a must-have.

from http://bit.ly/2d3ST9w;

DIY_Express

Bob Vila Radio: The Key to Choosing a New Front Door

When shopping for a new front door, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. First, your choice should complement th...

from http://bit.ly/2cQMkUq?

DIY_Express

Solved! What to Do About Squirrels in the Attic

Q: I keep hearing noise coming from upstairs and am fairly sure that a family of squirrels has taken up residence in ...

from http://bit.ly/2d3UAnr?

DIY_Express

Wall Treatments That Aren’t Shiplap {Blog Hop}

If you’re hopping over from Place of My Taste, (or just new here in general), welcome! I’m Erin (you probably figured that out from the blog name), and I love to share all things home decor, DIY, crafty, creative, and travel-related. I have 3 little boys who keep me on my toes, and I try to squeeze in as much creativity as I can in between carpool, getting kids on the bus, naptime, flag football games, etc. Basically whenever I have a free second (which are hard to come by these days). Now, let’s talk wall treatments.

In case you’ve been living under a rock, shiplap is all the rage nowadays thanks to Joanna Gaines and her megahit show Fixer Upper. While I can certainly appreciate the aesthetic, and I do think it’s pretty, it just isn’t my personal style. (I’m more modern than farmhouse.) Now, that’s not to say I have anything against those of you who love it—like I said, I have an appreciation for it and I think it’s lovely in other people’s homes. It just wouldn’t really flow well in my own non-farmhouse house. Make sense? Now, that said, some of my fellow modern/eclectic decor-loving friends and I have decided to get together and share our own wall treatments (that aren’t shiplap) just to give you some other ideas for ways to add interest to your walls. (Thanks to my friend Jenna for organizing this fun little blog hop!)

My favorite wall treatment in our home happens to be in our master closet, of all places. I gave this space a makeover earlier this year (you can see the reveal and get all the details here), and I opted to go with a tan Fawn wallpaper. (affiliate link)

I even shared a tutorial for how I made this wallpaper removable here, because I didn’t want to permanently attach the wallpaper to the wall. Let’s face it, I change my mind a lot and I didn’t want to have to deal with the hassle of removing it later on down the line. As for how the “removable” wallpaper is holding up, it does peel away along the edges once in a while and I just press it back down as I walk by. I think a few pieces of double stick tape along the edge might be the fix it needs, but for now it doesn’t really bother me.

SHOP MY CLOSET:

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Be sure to hop over to Bright Green Door next to see what Jess is sharing today!

Here’s the full lineup:

Monday, September 19th

Rain on a Tin Roof

Cassie Bustamante

Up to Date Interiors

Two Thirty-Five Designs

Suburban Bitches

 

Tuesday, September 20th

Place of My Taste

Erin Spain

Bright Green Door

Polished Habitat

Casa Watkins Living

Wednesday, September 21st

House by Hoff

Monica Wants It

Design Asylum

Craftivity Designs

Thursday, September 22nd

This is Our Bliss

Sharon Joyce Interiors

PMQ for Two

Domicile 37

Amber Oliver

You Might Also Like These Posts:

• Closet Makeover Reveal
• How to Make Any Wallpaper Removable
• Master Bedroom Makeover
• or check out my Home Tour or Project Gallery!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

You can also connect with me here:

Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

The post Wall Treatments That Aren’t Shiplap {Blog Hop} appeared first on Erin Spain.

from http://bit.ly/2d6gxON

DIY_Express

How to Hide TV Cords and Cables

Home entertainment systems are plagued with a myriad of cables—that run from the television to the cable box, roku, game console, DVD player, or sound bar. The easiest way to cover up these unsightly cables is by using cable tunnels.

We recently installed a Samsung curved LED television with the help of a special SANUS wall mount that was specifically designed for curved televisions. The install went smoothly and we originally planned on running the cables behind the wall, but the wall is load bearing and there are a lot of wall studs blocking the path we would need to run the cables. We also didn’t want to cut a bunch of holes in the wall, but leaving the cables hanging was not an option. The easy solution was to use the SANUS cable management system.

SANUS cable tunnels features clips that secure a plastic tunnel to the wall that holds up to eight cables. The cable tunnel can be trimmed to fit your needs and also painted to color coordinate with your wall.

We installed our cable tunnel in less than 10 minutes and only needed a spirit level to make sure the tunnel was aligned vertically.

Once we secured the clips to the wall and removed the tunnel, we taped up the ends of the cables which help them to fit into the tunnel and then we just snapped the tunnel back onto the clips, and voila! The cables are gone.

We chose not to paint the tunnel so you are able to see the finished product. If you are wanting to match your tunnel to your wall color, the process is very easy. Before installing the tunnel to the wall, simply paint and wait 20 minutes and then proceed to follow steps as outlined above.

For more information visit SANUS.com.

from http://bit.ly/2dgUEiQ

DIY_Express