Friday, December 27, 2013

Bathroom Updates--Guest Post

Today I am welcoming Vickie Bailey with a Guest Post on Bathroom Updates.  Thank you Vickie!




Cutting the Cost of Doing up Your Bathroom

The average cost of doing up a bathroom is anywhere between £500 and £10,000. Some bathroom renovations cost even more than that, depending on the budget and tastes of the property owner. However most property owners will most likely be looking for ways to reduce this cost, rather than letting it escalate. This is particularly true in the modern economic climate, when many people throughout the country are keeping a careful eye on their finances.

Nevertheless, sometimes doing up your bathroom is necessary and unavoidable. Perhaps there are some essential repairs which need carrying out, or maybe your bathroom just looks a little more worn and faded that you’d like. Whatever your reasons for a refurb, here are some amazingly handy hints for keeping the cost down when doing up your bathroom.

Conduct a Proper Assessment

Giving your bathroom a practiced glance over will ensure that you only end up carrying out those repairs or refurbishments that are absolutely necessary. It’ll also help you to avoid any DIY pitfalls, such as attempting to pry tiles off the wall only to realize that they’re tearing out huge chunks of plaster along the way. To keep your costs down, remember this one adage: if the job at hand will be neither essential nor easy, it’s best not to bother.

Look for the Easy Solutions

If your bathroom is looking shabby, it might not be the appliances themselves which are to blame. Instead, look for the easy solutions. Your bath can be improved by redoing the sealant around the edges, and tiles can be similarly improved by removing old grouting and replacing it with new. Similarly, old tiles can be transformed by covering them up with sheets, rather than replacing the whole lot. You can find both grouting and tile sheets for a low, low cost at Tiles4All.

Match your Linens

The look of a bathroom can also be improved through its accessories. Replace your shabby old towels with lovely news ones in matching or complementary colours. Tie the colour of your towels in with your bathmat, blinds or shower curtains, and you’ve instantly created a brand new look for your bathroom which is bound to impress.

Hire a Professional

This may sound counter-intuitive, but if your bathroom is really in need of some repair work, sometimes the best solution is to let a professional tackle the job. Not only will they get it done quickly, and to a high standard, but if you were to attempt it and make a mistake the cost of putting your bathroom right might be higher than it would have been otherwise. Not only will a professional give you peace of mind, but a quality finish will add value to your home in the long run.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Keeping Holiday Wrapping Simple




I love the simplicity of wrapping gifts in kraft paper.  And I love gingham ribbons and bakers twine.  Add those together and I have my Christmas wrapping all set up.

Instead of wrapping everything in the same pattern, I use different combinations for different people--that way I don't even have to worry about tags.  (It also keeps everyone wondering which gifts belong to which person)  :)





 
 

 


And for a glimpse on what's happening outside our front door this Christmas...
 

 
 
 
Thank you for your visit!
 
Merry Christmas!
 
Pam
 
 
I am linking to the following parties:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home

DIY Show Off


Friday, December 20, 2013

Using Power Tools--Guest Post


Today I'm welcoming a guest post by Peter Boucher.  For those of us who use power tools, it's very helpful information!  Thank you Peter!




A Simple Safety Guide to Using Power Tools at Home

Being able to carry out home improvements is a goal which many homeowners aspire to. Not only is it a cost effective means of being able to refurbish your property in the manner you’d like, but it’s also a great life skill to have, which can be applied in many other areas.

However once you get past the initial stages of accomplishing simple tasks, such as grouting and painting, many homeowners find themselves reluctant to take the next step towards performing more complicated tasks. One of the main reasons behind this is that such tasks often necessitate the use of power tools. Power tools can often seem frightening or overly complicated to people who have had no prior experience of them, and for this reason they will often shy away from tasks that they are perfectly capable of completing.

Get to Know Your Tools

One of the best ways to become more familiar with using power tools is to first acquaint yourself with how to use them safely. This is an important part of the process of learning how to use power tools in the home, which should be attended to whether you are reluctant to use them or not. This is because, whilst many power tools are perfectly appropriate for use by laypeople, they can become dangerous if used improperly.

Portable and Stationary Tools

Power tools can be classified in two ways – stationary or portable. Within these categories are further subcategories, such as corded or cordless. For examples of the different types of power tools, visit Ridgeons Limited to discover a wide range of different models. Stationary power tools tend to be heavier and more complicated than portable tools, however both can be dangerous in different ways.

Be Aware of All Potential Hazards

Corded tools should always be disconnected when not in use, and the cord should be viewed as an ongoing tripping hazard. Never carry your tool by the cord, or unplug it by yanking on the cord. When using a portable power tool of any type, always make sure you are on a level footing and are aware of the proximity of any other people around you. Stationary tools, which often require the use of clamps, should be used on an even surface. Your clamps should be secure at all times.

Store Your Tools Correctly

Both portable and stationary power tools should be stored correctly, however with larger items it may be tempting to simply leave them in a garage or shed. Be aware that improper storage can damage your tools and make them dangerous. Never use your tools if they are wet or rusted.







 

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Board and Batten Project Part 3--It's Done!

We helped a friend redo her mudroom this fall.  This weekend I went out and took pictures of the finished room.  It looks amazing!

The latest additions are lots and lots of paint (oh boy there were a lot of edges and corners for her to paint!), new coat hooks and accessories that fit the style of her 100 year old house.
 
Here's a close up of the hooks she used.  They look like old doorknobs and were found at Hobby Lobby.



You can see where we started Part 1 HERE  and  Part 2 HERE.

Here's a little peek at where we started...




New ceilings, flooring, a new pantry, a new back door, a new window, a new bench, new shelving--everything is now clean, new and beautiful!!
 
It's her family's pass-through from the garage to the house, so it gets a ton of use.  I'd say it's holding up to the traffic quite nicely.


Thank you for your visit!
 
Pam
 
 
I am linking to the following parties:
 
 
 
Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home

DIY Show Off


Friday, December 13, 2013

A Great Last Minute Gift for the Woodworker on your List!

We do a lot of projects in the garage.  For my husband to work out on his table saw for long periods of time, his back gets tired from standing all day. 
 
We found a great solution--The Stanley Utility Mat.
 
 
He's been using it for a few weeks when working on his table saw and says he can definitely notice a difference in how his back feels at the end of the day.  (Why didn't we get one of these sooner?!)  Also, in our garage, there is always lots and lots of dust.  I was very impressed with how well the mat cleaned up after a long day of use.
 
 
  • The Stanley Utility Mat’s superior “Comfort Made Tough” technology was engineered with an optimal balance of cushion, support and durability proven to relieve pressure and soreness on feet, knees and back (giving you more time and energy to complete your home improvement projects!)
  • Features premium polyurethane construction engineered specifically to stand up to a rugged workshop environment and is resistant to chemical spills
  • Includes a 20-year warranty and is available at Homedepot.com for all those online shoppers looking to avoid the store crowds this season
  • Great quality gift for the price at under $50
 
 
 
If you're looking for that last minute gift, I'd recommend this mat! 
 
Thanks for your visit!
Pam
 
 
 
I was given this product to review.  All of my opinions are my own.