14 Vintage Xmas Ideas to Borrow from the Past

Festive feather trees, classic cocktails, decorative popcorn garlands… revelers of yesteryear really knew how to embrace the holiday season. Borrow these 14 vintage ideas from Christmases gone by to bring some old-school charm to your celebrations this year.

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Would You Recognize These 9 Iconic Streets Way Back When?

America’s streets are paved with remarkable history. Some of the nation’s earliest historical routes; ones that once wound through quiet boroughs and townships, are today's prominent avenues and boulevards. Join us as we step back in time to compare the trails traveled by our forebears to their modern-day incarnations.

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How To: Remove Drywall Anchors

Drywall anchors certainly come in handy when you want to safely hang something heavy on a hollow wall or a spot witho...

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Bob Vila Radio: Winterizing Wooden Furniture

When your heating system is cranking, dry indoor air can do a number on your wood furniture and, for that matter, any...

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30 Minute Gift Idea for the Coffee Lover {& Free Printable Label}

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Plaid®. All opinions are my own.

I’m teaming up with the folks over at Plaid again because number 1) they’re my favorite and number 2) we want to bring you loads of gift inspiration in time for the holidays! The other Plaid Creators and I are sharing 30 minute DIY gift ideas, and today I’ll be showing you how I packaged up a cute little coffee gift, perfect for friends or neighbors (or just about any coffee-lover in your life). Plus, I’m sharing a free printable label in case you’d like to replicate this idea.

I’ve mentioned before that my husband is a “coffee snob,” and he loves to roast his own beans (he even has a unique method which I shared here). He enjoys giving his homemade roasted beans as a gift, so I thought I could come up with a cute way to package them up for the holidays. Note: You don’t have to roast your own beans for this gift idea. While it does add an even more homemade touch, you could always use your favorite store-bought beans.

I opted to package them inside of a mason jar because everybody loves mason jars, right? Plus, they’re airtight which is a must for keeping coffee beans fresh longer. My objective was to dress up the jar in a cute way using some of my favorite Plaid products.

What You’ll Need:

• Small Mason Jar
• Printable Label (Available for free download here.)
• Scissors
• Mod Podge® in Matte finish
• Mod Podge® Decoupage Brush
• Mod Podge® Mod Melter
• Mod Podge® Mod Melts Colors OR Glitters in Red (Depending on whether you want sparkle or not.)
• Mod Podge® Mod Molds in Mystical Forest
• Jute Twine
• Coffee Beans
• Hot Glue Gun
• Small scissors

Step 1

First, cut out your coffee label. (See supply list above for link to free download.) Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to your mason jar lid, and also to the back of your coffee label.

I absolutely love Mod Podge because there are SO many ways you can use it. It’s incredibly versatile and definitely a “must” for any craft stash.

Step 2

Adhere the tag to your lid, smoothing it out with your fingers as you go. Allow to dry.

Step 3

Squirt your Mod Podge® Mod Melt into your deer mold using the Mod Melter. (I love this mold and I also used it for my fall/winter wreath!) Allow to cool for 10 minutes, and then pop it out of the mold. I used a small pair of scissors to trim any excess Mod Melt from around the edges of my deer.

Step 4

Paint a coat of Mod Podge on top of your coffee label to seal it in place.

Step 5

Hot glue your Mod Mold onto the front of the jar.

Step 6

Tie some jute twine around the top of the jar.

You’re done! Simple, cute, quick, and easy.

For more ideas and inspiration, be sure to connect with Plaid on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Check out the other Plaid Creators’ projects here:

An InLinkz Link-up

You Might Also Like:

• Pinecone and Stag Head Wreath
• How to Roast Coffee Beans on a Budget
• Coffee Bar Makeover Reveal

You can also connect with me here:

Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

The post 30 Minute Gift Idea for the Coffee Lover {& Free Printable Label} appeared first on Erin Spain.

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Using a Circuit Breaker Finder to add Under-Cabinet Lights

I used a Circuit Breaker Finder for the first time while working on my kitchen entry makeover and IT WAS AWESOME!  The days of running up and down the stairs 20 times, turning off one breaker at a time and checking to see if it was the right one — are over!   This post is sponsored […]

The post Using a Circuit Breaker Finder to add Under-Cabinet Lights appeared first on Sawdust Girl®.

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Now’s the Time to Buy a Stihl Outdoor Power Tool

Stihl outdoor power equipment is coveted by homeowners and professionals everywhere. Now there is even more reason to consider Stihl as they’ve refreshed their cordless tool lineup by introducing their Lightning Battery System, which includes three new battery platforms and brand new tools. It’s designed to fit the needs of homeowners and renters no matter what size outdoor space they have.

Anyone who has a medium to large-sized yard has considered a Stihl chainsaw, trimmer, or blower, to help manage their landscape. Their full-lineup of gas-powered tools have been industry mainstays for years. But they never really seemed committed to their battery-powered cordless tools—until now. A few years ago we checked out the BGA 85 36V cordless blower, which is a powerful tool, but their new cordless tools are lighter, more powerful, and cost less, which make them perfect for the DIY homeowner crowd.

The Stihl Lightning System has three cordless tool platforms to choose from, which are built to optimize the yard work experience for different types of users.

Stihl AI System for Small Yards

New from Stihl is the AI system which features an integrated battery. The battery remains in the tool, so no separate charger is needed. Just plug the tools into the wall to charge them and unplug them when it’s time to work. These tools are the lightest and smallest of the cordless Stihl outdoor power tools and are geared towards homeowners and renters who have a small patio, deck, or yard, that needs clearing or pruning.

A Stihl product manager explains why the AI system is such a great option for many homeowners.

The AI system currently includes a string trimmer, hedge trimmer, and blower. Stihl didn’t skimp on the smaller lineup as the same German engineering and design that goes into all of their tools, is also found in the AI system. The AI tools take 3.5-5 hours to full charge, so it’s best to simply leave them plugged in overnight the day before you need them. The AI tools will be competitively priced and available at your local Stihl dealer in 2017.

Stihl AK System for Suburban Yards

The AK system is designed for users who have small to large yards that require regular maintenance. It features two battery options, the AK 10 and the AK 20, and can be charged in as little as 1 hour with the AL 101 charger. This system includes a string trimmer, hedge trimmer, blower, and chainsaw. They are a step up in power from the AI tools, and with the addition of the chainsaw, a homeowner has more options for maintaining their yard. As with all of their chainsaws, the MSA-120 features a Stihl built chain, which means you’ve got quality design in the part that matters most.

We’d call the AK system a “prosumer” line as it’s for homeowners who want plenty of power but at a lower cost and weight of semi-professional tools.

Stihl AP System for Large Properties

Stihl is first and foremost a brand built for professionals, and their AP system is designed for a wide range of property sizes and includes the largest number of tools. These include a hedge trimmer, trimmer, blower, chainsaw, lawn mower, cut off wheel, extended hedge trimmer, and pole pruner. There are also four different battery options and three different charges to choose from, so you can custom build your AP system to fit your needs, with the help of a local dealer.

For large yards and commercial spaces that require hours each week to maintain, the AP this system is probably your best choice and a great alternative to gas-powered tools.

In addition to these new yard tools, Stihl will also be introducing a new cordless lawnmower and two new pressure washers in 2017.

Where to Buy

Stihl outdoor power equipment is committed to selling their products through local dealers and small businesses. Buying from a dealer will almost always result in a better customer experience, as opposed to a big box retailer. You’ll find a more knowledgeable sales staff and if you have questions or concerns, product support is readily available.

The Lightning battery systems will be available in the next few months, with many hitting shelves in early 2017. Once we receive confirmation on pricing we will update this article, but expect it to be very competitive.

Photos

Check out our photos from our recent visit to Stihl headquarters in Virginia Beach. The product experts took us through every new tool and we also had an amazing opportunity to tour their on site manufacturing plant.

from http://bit.ly/2gDygPw

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15 100-Year-Old Houses That Haven't Aged a Day

Can’t find any centenarians on your street? Look again; the oldest resident in the neighborhood may well be a historic home. These ancient abodes around the country have lived to the ripe old age of 100, yet continue to enthrall visitors with their well-preserved architecture and eternal charms.

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

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Indigo Rug in the Dining Room (& a Giveaway)

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Rug Expedition and contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

I showed you a peek at our dining room refresh, and one of my favorite things in the room is this gorgeous Loloi Indigo Rug.

I’ll be sharing details on the dining room table I built very soon, but for now I wanted to share info on the rug, along with an amazing giveaway opportunity for you! (Check it out at the end of this post.) This Loloi rug has beautiful shades of blue, including indigo and turquoise, and I love the pattern too.

Our dog, Indy, loves it too. She lounges on it regularly.

It’s from Rug Expedition, and they were kind enough to send me the rug for the room. They’ve got a great selection (and great prices!), and they also have accessories like pillows and poufs.

I’ve teamed up with some other bloggers to bring you an awesome giveaway in case you need a new amazing rug too.

$1000 Rug Expedition Giveaway

Brought to you by Rugs Expedition and the following amazing bloggers:

The Crafting Chicks – Prodigal Pieces – Mom Home Guide – Mellie and Lou – A Pumpkin & A Princess – Mandy’s Recipe Box – Hawthorne and Main – Over the Big Moon – Redhead Can Decorate – Pretty Providence – Driven by Love – Interiors by Sarah Langtry – Hoosier Homemade – Capturing Joy – Snazzy Little Things – Erin Spain – All Things Thrifty – Small Fry – The Interior Frugalista – “Cents”able Momma – Somewhat Simple – Made to be a Momma – House of Rose – A Girl & A Glue Gun – Practical and Pretty – The Creek Line House – Suburble – Girl Loves Glam –

I Should Be Mopping the Floor – Inspiration for Moms

You have 30 + ways to enter using the Rafflecopter Form below! The giveaway will end at 11:59pm on December 15, 2016 MST. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond. If they do not respond, a new winner will be chosen and receive the $1000 gift card from Rug Expedition.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a great week!

You Might Also Like:

• My Home Picks from Rug Expedition
• Dining Room Refresh
• Project Gallery

You can also connect with me here:

Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

The post Indigo Rug in the Dining Room (& a Giveaway) appeared first on Erin Spain.

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