“Velcro is one of the handiest tricks around for home improvement and decorating projects. It’s available at big retail stores, small craft stores, and even at some grocery stores. It’s cheap, comes in several different colors, and is available in sheets, squares, strips, and dots of all sizes. Velcro is very strong, yet removes easily from most surfaces (test first in an inconspicuous area). To use, just cut it to the size you need, peel the paper backing off both sides, and stick in place. ” http://www.diylife.com/2007/06/25/inside-the-diy-toolbox-velcro-is-your-friend/

So let’s go ahead and stock the DIY toolbox and don’t forget the Velcro.

Apollo Precision Tools DT0773N1 - 135 Piece Household Pink Tool Kit

Screwdrivers - a great thing to keep handy is a multi-function screwdriver that has several different tips that are stored in the handle. In addition, you should have a set of Phillips and slotted-head screwdrivers and a set of small screwdrivers. Each set will come with different sizes for different jobs.

Hammer - another necessity for the toolbox. I like to keep a large one, 12 ounce, for heavy jobs and smaller one for simple jobs.

Pliers - adjustable pliers which are great for working on plumbing and in tight spots like under sinks and in cabinets.

Wrench - an adjustable wrench for use with nuts and bolts. This is essential in the toolbox since it is used for tightening and assembling.

Level - at least a 10 inch level, preferably longer, is needed for hanging items on walls in order to determine if they are straight. You will need this to hang things such as curtain rods, pictures, shelving, etc.

Apollo Precision Tools DT9773 53-Piece Household Tool Kit with Tool Box

Ladder - a small utility step ladder is good to keep around but a regular step ladder (8 foot is the preferred) is a necessity in order to reach high places for doing things such as changing light bulbs, painting, even changing curtains. It’s much safe to use a ladder than standing on chairs.

Caulking Gun - this along with a spare tube of caulking is good to have around for those unexpected times when you discover something needs to be sealed such as windows or doors.

Utility Knives - along with extra blades for heavy duty cutting. Make sure to purchase the retracting kind which is much safer.

Hot Glue Gun - great to keep in your toolbox along with glue sticks.

Vise Grips - otherwise known as locking pliers. I use this as a third hand sometimes.

Tape Measure - every home and DIY toolbox needs a good tape measure.

Yard Stick - this is best if it is 36 inch metal yard stick. This will even guide you when cutting a straight line.

Goggles, dust mask and ear protection - always a must for safety and you never know when you may need them.

Drill - this is a must and the cordless are easy to use.

Kawasaki 840056 Black 19.2v 4pc Cordless Combo Kit

Jig Saw - in my toolbox, this is a must. I have made many things using a jig saw and a piece of wood.

Sponge Paint Brushes - cheap, disposable and easy to reach for when needed for touchups..

Cordless Screwdriver - not a necessity but is nice to use as long as you have it charged.

Sand Paper

It a must in my house that I have my own toolbox that no one else touches so that when I find something that needs to be done, I can get right on it. It’s a habit for me to scour the discount stores for tools in search for something new and inexpensive. Many times my husband comes to me for that needed tool that can be only found in my DIY toolbox. Do you like to DIY and have your own toolbox? Go ahead and share it. I might be missing something important.

First, pick out the material that you want to use. Usually you can find inexpensive material at your local store. You can use a sheer or opaque material. If you going for opaque, don’t forget to take a look at bed sheets. A twin size bed sheet is more than what you will need for the average window. For a basic valance you will need three times the width of the kitchen window for fullness.

Measure from the top of the rod for the length that you need. Usually the length is about 15 inches. Add two inches to the bottom and two inches to each side for the hem. The extra amount needed for the top of the valance is determined by the style you want to achieve and the type of rod you are using. For a regular one inch wide rod, add five inches for the top hem to create a ruffled top. If you are making a tab top valance, add only two inches because you will be adding tabs.

After you have completed your measurements, lay the fabric out on a flat surface. For me, it always ends up being the floor. Mark your measurements with sewing chalk. If you don’t have sewing chalk, you can use your ruler as a guide or use masking tape which comes off easily. Once you have done this, you can go ahead and cut the fabric. Remember and old rule, measure twice and cut once.

Now you are ready to put it together. If you have a sewing machine, a regular straight stitch is all that you will need. You can also use the iron on tape sold in the fabric department instead of a sewing machine. You must first do the each side by folding the fabric l/2 inch and folding again l/2 inch. You will end up with a l/2 inch hem that does not fray. Do this for each side. Use straight pins to keep it in place and sew removing the pins as you go along. If using fabric tape, then just iron each fold. Once the sides are done, go ahead and do the bottom hem repeating the same instructions.

For the top of the valance, fold over l/2 inch of fabric and sew or iron with fabric tape. Now fold over 4 inches and again sew or iron. For a ruffled top, measure down two inches from the top and sew a straight line across the width of the fabric. This will create a two inch pocket for the curtain rod to slide through.

For a tab top valance, repeat the same instructions as you did for the sides and the bottom hem. Then you will need to cut and hem strips of material about 8 inches and length and 3 inches wide to create the tabs. Hem the sides and ends each tab and sew on to the top of the valance. The tabs should be about 4 inches apart.

Now that you have created your own kitchen window treatment, you can use the remainder of the material to make cloth napkins or placemats. With enough material you can even make a matching table cloth. That’s what make this a fun project. Once you have the hang of it, it doesn’t take long and you can have everything in the kitchen match.

If you have some more easy tips to share, go ahead and post below. We love sharing ideas.

When I lived in the Northeast, the colonial style house was quite common to see. Now, living in the Southeast, I no longer come across this style home. The colonial style house is quite an elegant style with a look of days gone by. If you own a home of this type, you are familiar with its appearance and special features.

Image details: Plantation House served by picapp.com

The house itself is usually a rectangular shape brick home and consists of two or more stories. It always has a pitched roof which usually includes one or more gables. The windows are all the same and evenly spaced throughout the house. Most of the time you will find that each window has a set of shutters. It is a very clean looking, straight lined house.

One of the elements that makes a colonial style house unique in design is the grand entry way. On the outside, there are usually a few steps in front that lead to a porch. It is the front columns that give it that elegant appearance. Upon entering, you come into an entry hall usually with the formal living room on one side and the formal dining room on the other. The staircase with its fancy spindles that leads to the upper rooms is in the front entry hall. Everything else is in the back of the house while all of the bedrooms are on the second floor.

The colonial style house will have beautiful wood floors, moldings and woodwork throughout the home. While the molding and woodwork has always been a common decorative element of this type of home, it has only started to become popular in other types of houses in recent years. Another common design feature of the colonial style house is the fireplace. You will always find at least one or more fireplaces in this home.

The best décor for this type of home is Early American. Using spindle back chairs, wood tables and hand made crafts to decorate will bring these homes to life. They appear warm and cozy with the warm colored walls, needlepoint chairs and quilted blankets. The best type of window treatment is a wood or brass rod with tab top curtains.

I remember walking into this type of house and having the feeling that I was stepping back in time. If it was built a long time ago, you begin to wonder who lived there before. What is the history of the home? Even if this is not your style home to live in, it is worth visiting one to appreciate their architecture.

There are many old and new colonial style homes throughout the country. If you live in one, tell us about any special features you have in your home that might be different than others.

There are many ways that you can use plastic or silk flowers around your home. I have at least one arrangement in each room and no more than two. Here are some unique ways to use silk or plastic flowers around the home.

1. Some kitchen cabinets do not go up to the ceiling. Some people tend to use the top as a shelf for kitchen gadgets or to display dishes. Instead, I purchased large silk flowers, about 5 inches in diameter each and the same color as the kitchen. I placed them at the top edge of the cabinets about twelve inches apart and filled in between each flower with green ferns. It really did bring some life into the kitchen.
2. If you have picture window or alcove, purchase a five foot or longer swag made with large flowers and place it over the middle of the window.
3. Use the top of a china closet or hutch to display flowers. The taller the ceilings, the taller the arrangement. You want the eye to go up to the ceiling. Use tall vases and place long bamboo sticks in them to reach the height that you need. If using a flower arrangement, place it on top of a decorative box to make it taller.
4. If you have vaulted ceilings, hang a large silk plant in a corner of the room. Make sure that it takes up at least three to four feet of space from the ceiling down.
5. Use six foot or higher trees in corners or behind furniture. Again, these can be placed on boxes (if hidden) or on end tables for a taller effect.
6. Use a four foot silk tree with flowers on an end table.
7. When using flower arrangements on dining tables, make a statement. Tall flower arrangements tend to be very elegant. Even just a tall vase with bamboo sticks in it is pretty to have on a dining table or end table.

The idea here is that when using flower arrangements, the fuller and taller the arrangement, the less you need to use and the prettier they look. A lot is not always better. Make a statement with just a few but make those few memorable.

How do you use flower arrangements around your home? If you would like to share your ideas or have any questions, please post in the comment section. I always enjoy reading comments.

There are certain characteristics that are a part of a ranch style home. These can vary by location and neighborhoods.

• They are single story homes but can be a raised ranch style.

• They have simple floor plans usually with wide open spaces.

• Rectangular, U-shaped or L shaped.

• Interior may have wood paneling and exposed beams.

• They are long in length with a low roof line, long overhanging eaves and many times are cross gabled.

• Most will have an attached garage.

• Almost all have sliding glass doors, or maybe several, that exit to the patio.

• Some have vaulted ceilings.

• They typically will have large windows and sometimes a large picture window in the living room.

• Stucco, brick or wood exteriors with window shutters are common.

• Most are designed with eat in kitchens.

The ranch style home was built for easy living and movement. Instead of a grand entryway, they have a foyer. Each room flowed into the other. The eat in kitchens were designed with modern built in’s such as wall oven, stove and refrigerator. Many have glass doors that lead to an enclosed patio. Some are actually raised ranch homes. They sit on a half or a fully exposed foundation. These allow for a home owner to have a finished basement.

Today, ranch style homes are again being built, mostly by tract builders, with the average living space being well over 2000 square feet. An older ranch home sells well in today’s market because they are usually located in a developed neighborhood where the trees and greenery have finally grown back.  This makes their appearance very desirable.

When I think of the ranch style home, I think of the TV shows, The Brady Bunch, I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched. Those shows all had the typical ranch style home. In fact, the first home I bought in Florida was a ranch style home that was built in 1967. It had all of the typical features; rectangular single story, low roof, sliding glass doors, shutters, eat in kitchen. Actually it was quite a nice, comfortable home.

Do you live in a ranch style home or have you owned one? Maybe you plan on building one. What is it that you like about this style? Go ahead and leave a comment below.

If the home is not occupied, make sure that the electric is turned on and active. The inspector needs the electric in order to check the appliances. He will check the heating and cooling systems, the washing machine, the dryer, the stove and any other appliance that is part of the transaction. He will also inspect the plumbing and electrical systems of the home.

Checking the roof for damage is another thing the inspector will do. He will also check the fascia and soffits and gutters. He will be looking at the foundation and structure of the house for cracks that may cause problems or need to be repaired. He will make note of any rotten or deteriorated wood around the home. If there is a sprinkler system attached to a well, he will put the pump on to make sure that it is working properly and will check the pressure of the well pump. He will also check to see if the sprinkler heads are in place. If there is a pool, he will check the condition of the pool along with the pool pump. Again, he will put the pump on to make sure that it has enough pressure and is working properly.

One of the most important parts of an inspection is checking for termites and other wood destroying organisms. What may look like old wood to you may really be termites. If this is discovered, it should be taken care of prior to the final transaction of purchasing the home. After all, this is not something you will want to be responsible for as soon as you buy a home. It can be an very costly endeavor. If it is wood destroying organisms such as ants, you can possibly replace the wood yourself.

Any mold found on the interior of the home also can become an issue. Mold can be very dangerous to your health. If mold is found, your inspector can advise you on what the next step is to take in order to make certain that it can be removed and will not come back.

The inspector will look at the walls, ceilings and floors. He will also look at any visible insulation, windows and doors. If there is an attic and basement, he will also check those areas along with heating and cooling ducts.

This is why it is vital to have a home inspection done by a licensed inspector. It will give you peace of mind and can prevent you from making a very costly mistake.

Did you or did you not have a home inspection? Go ahead and reply in the comment section below.

Home Inspection Business from A to Z: Real Estate Home Inspector, Homeowner, Home Buyer and Seller Survival Kit Series (Real Estate from a to Z)

Inspecting a House (For Pros by Pros)

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Here is an excerpt from http://www.homesecurityblog.com

“Unfortunately, most people don’t think or do anything about home security until they or someone they know has had a break-in. Burglars look at homes they think are easy targets. There’s many things you can do to make your home less likely to be burglarized.”

• smoke alarms - for every bedroom and hallway; make sure batteries are always fresh. Install a battery operated alarm in addition to any electric alarms you may have.

• fire extinguishers - you should have at least one or two in the house and one in the garage. It is important to make sure that they are full at all times.

• carbon monoxide alarms - always important in order to detect high carbon monoxide levels especially in winter months when we are heating our homes.

• windows - in addition to latches on windows, there should be locks on each window. These are easily installed and removed to open the window. You can even open the window a few inches and reinstall the lock so that the window cannot be opened further.

• doors- all entry doors should have a deadbolt lock. In some cases, you may also want to install a chain lock. Installing a peephole in each door, especially the front entrance door, is another very good idea. It is advisable to have a lock on screen doors. Some even come with dead bolt locks nowadays. Sliding glass doors have locks but an additional safety measure is to put a rod or piece of wood inside the track.

• garage doors - this is a common place for burglars to enter a home. Make sure that the garage door locks when closed. If you use an electronic garage door opener, make sure that you have programmed it; never leave it with a factory programming.

• motion detector lights - another home safety measure to deter intruders is to install lights that go on when motion is detected outside at night.

• security camera - you can now purchase security cameras and security systems in any large department store or home improvement store. They can be easily hooked up to a television set.

• fence - yard fences should always be locked especially if you have a pool. It is important to prevent wandering children who can fall into the pool or get hurt on backyard toys.

• shrubs - keep all greenery trimmed and away from the house. Do not block windows. This not only will eliminate a hideout for intruders but will also protect the house in case of fire.

• first aid kit - always keep one handy in the home, garage and also in the car.

It is up to us to be proactive to create a safe environment in our homes. What other things do you do in regards to home security? Please share your thoughts and ideas below.

FOOD
Non-perishable foods (soups, canned food and vegetables, breads and crackers, snacks)
Juice boxes and bottled water

HOME SUPPLIES
Ice chests, water, water jugs
Camping stove; propane; charcoal
Disposable plates, utensils, napkins
Storage bags
Toilet paper, paper towels
Diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, ointments
Prescriptions, copies of prescriptions and over the counter meds
Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant
Clothing, blankets, pillows, sleeping bags
First aid kit

Bug repellant

Eyeglasses, contact, hearing aids and batteries
Pet supplies, food, litter, pet carrier, medications
Identification
Cash, credit cards
List of phone number of family and friends
Important Documents, insurance policies
Photos, videos, cameras, film, memory cards, batteries
Battery powered radio
Flashlights
Extension cords
Pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers

PREPARING YOUR HOME

Keep trees trimmed at all times in preparation for unpredictable weather.

Probably the most important thing you can do in preparation for a hurricane is protect your windows and doors. It is so vital to put up shutters. Whether they are commercial, store bought or plywood, it is vital to get them on the windows and doors prior to a hurricane.

Also remove anything that is outside and bring it in. Things such are yard decorations, chairs, tables, umbrellas should all be brought in. If you have an outdoor living space, you should pack up and remove everything that you can. Anything left outside becomes a potential projectile.

Make sure you fill up your vehicles with gas prior to the hurricane. It is wise to do this several days in advance since the closer the hurricane gets, the more likely the gas stations will run out of gas. The same goes for cash. Get your necessary cash a few days ahead of time.

So start now and be prepared. The last thing anyone wants or needs is a natural disaster or storm but none of us have control over mother nature. Hurricane preparedness is a responsibility to yourself and your family. Most of the items will last for many years to come. Important - don’t dispose of plywood shutters after the season. Place them in the garage or attic for future years (so many times I’ve seen the plywood from windows at curb for garbage. So much money wasted.) Go ahead and add to this list below in the comment section.

http://www.redcross.org/news/ds/0305hurricane/
http://www.hhs.gov/news/facts/hurricane.html

Smith & Wesson Galaxy 3 LED Flashlight (Red with 3 Red LEDs)

Organize for Disaster: Prepare Your Family and Your Home for Any Natural Or Unnatural Disaster

Bayou Classic SQ14 Single Burner Outdoor Patio Stove

“Hurricane hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards”

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/Patrap/comment.html?entrynum=116&tstamp=200805

As June 1st approaches we are heading into the official 2008 Hurricane season and the time of year to review our hurricane preparedness. Living in Florida and having been through the numerous storms of 2004, I guess I can officially say that I’ve learned a few important things. Since no one knows what type of season it is going to be, there are things that you should do to prepare now so that you are ready at any time. Hurricane preparedness is not just for hurricanes. These things are simple and should be done in order to be ready for any type of emergency.

Photos and Videos
Take photos of your home, both interior and exterior including photos of valuables. It is also a good idea to take a video of your home from room to room with narrating to point out special things or features. Keep these and all photos or memorabilia in a plastic, waterproof container. These will be needed in case of an insurance claim.

Important Documents
Place all important documents such as insurance papers, titles, deeds, diplomas, bank papers, birth certificates, social security papers, tax papers, auto documents, marriage or divorce papers, etc. all in a plastic, waterproof container. Include important telephone numbers and addresses. Some of these papers can be difficult to replace.

Supplies
Always have available batteries, flashlights, battery operated radio or television, non-perishable food, bottled water, manual can opener, cooler, first aid kit, candles, fire extinguisher. Some of these items can always be kept together in one place for easy access.

Always on a daily basis keep a supply of necessary over the counter and prescription medications in one easily accessible area.

If you have young children, make sure you keep a supply of diapers, baby wipes, baby food and formula. Keep boards games, coloring books, crayons, puzzles in one place for easy access.

If you have pets, make sure to always keep a supply of food and meds.

This is a general list of things that we can do to prepare in advance for any type of emergency. There may be more things that you have to add to this list. More important is strategically placing these items in an area, such as a hall closet, that is easy to get to. If they are all in one place, it will eliminate the need to be searching all over the house for something that is necessary. Since the hurricanes of 2004, we use a closet near our entry way for these items. They are packed in boxes and on the floor. In case of an emergency, everything is right there where we can just grab it and run. Of course I can’t keep everything on this list in the closet (food and meds just won’t do) but I’ve learned to become much more organized and keep these items together (one shelf just for meds) so that with a scoop of the hand, they are all in a bag.

Part of hurricane preparedness is becoming more organized so that you are prepared for all emergencies. Now is a good time to take a look at your plan of action in case something happens. Being always ready for hurricane season or any emergency is something everyone should do and reevaluate every year.

If you prepare for hurricanes or other emergencies, please let us know. Do you have your own plan to follow?

GRAB-and-GO 2 PERSON 3-DAY Emergency Kit

Your Survival: Protect Your Family and Your Home from Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods, Wildfires, Earthquakes and other Natural and Man-Made Disasters

Vector Stormtracker Lantern & Radio (VEC1198)

Decorating can be simple. Use small American flags, which you can find anywhere, and place them around the back yard. You can also purchase red, white and blue, silk carnation bouquets at just about any discount outlet. Just having these two things around the backyard will make you and your guests remember what this day is all about.

One Dozen (12) Independence Day U.S.A. Flags 4-in x 6-in

Once you know how many guests are coming, you can begin to prepare. Most of the time, a Memorial Day gathering is a barbecue. But depending on the heat, you may not want to be standing around a grill all day. I usually do something simple on the grill, like hamburgers or hot dogs, and have the rest of the food already made and heated. By doing this, I spend less time at the grill and less time in the kitchen.

Patriotic Red White Blue String Light Set - 100 Lights

Most of the time I will make a pork or beef roast in advance. If you have a smoker, you can even do this outside the morning of the gathering. Because it needs to cook a long time, I will do it on a smoker or in a table top oven or slow cooker that I bring outside (to keep the house cool you can read ). Spice the roast the way you like or according to your favorite recipe, place in a pan or cooker with a little water and just let it cook for about three hours. That’s how you will end up with pulled pork or pulled beef. When it is done and cool enough to handle, I just start cutting and pulling apart. This goes a long way and people tend to really like it. I usually put out hamburger rolls for them to make sandwiches. You’d be surprised to see how many people it can feed.

I usually opt to make macaroni salad instead of potato salad since it is quicker and easier to make. It is also another dish that goes a long way. A pound of elbow macaroni can feed a pretty good crowd.

So that’s what is on my menu for Memorial Day with probably a few extras like chips and pickles. I learned the hard way to take the easy route. There are times when I do heavy duty cooking for gatherings, but in the summer as the weather gets hotter, people tend to eat less and this avoids having too many leftovers. And remember to take time out to reflect upon the real meaning of the day.

Memorial Day (Rookie Read-About Holidays)

What are you planning for Memorial Day? Are you having small or large gathering at your home? Tell us what makes it easy for you.