The Home Know-It-All

Happy New Year!

It’s New Year’s Eve, and all of us at The Home Know-It-All are sneaking away again for the rest of the week so we can ring in the New Year with the people we love the most. You’re doing the same, right? We thought so.

But stay tuned. We’ll be back on Monday to usher in a great 2009 with some posts sure to get you in the DIY spirit. And until then, why not take a peek at some of our most popular posts?

DIY Headboards

Create Built-In Bookshelves

How to Build a Window Seat

Make Yourself a Man Cave

Wainscoting Basics

Countertop Materials

(You’re also big fans of our Decorating and Cleaning & Organizing categories, which we love to see!)

Until next year,
The Home Know-It-All

Great New Home/DIY Books to Get Inspired in 2009

It’s almost time to ring in a new year. But rather than just adopting the whole “New year, new you” approach, why not strive to improve your greatest asset—your home? 2008 brought a batch of fabulous new home design/repair/DIY books to bookstores and libraries, their pages packed with inspirational ideas and practical pointers. Be sure to snag these books before they’re checked out or sold out, and get ready to welcome 2009 with a fresh look for your home (or apartment, of course!):

Domino: The Book of Decorating, by Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello, and Dara Caponigro (272 pages, Simon & Schuster, Inc.). You know that old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover?” Well it certainly doesn’t apply to this book. Wrapped in a green floral design, this book’s beautiful cover is the perfect complement to the smart content inside.
    Would you describe your bedroom decorating style as “romantic modernist” or “masculine bohemian”? Regardless of your personal taste, this book has you covered. Packed with creative ideas for every room in your house, from using different-color wall frames on the wall to avoid a dull look to establishing an entryway by placing a chest and chair near your front door, it’s every decorating guru’s dream.  (Heck, even if you’re not into decorating, I dare you to put this book down and walk away without any glimmer of an idea to change up your home décor.) And I’d expect nothing less, because it’s written by the editors of Domino magazine, who share expert advice and personal experiences in a friendly tone.
As a girl who often struggles with determining what items look best together, I especially appreciated the “How to Mix and Match” sections found in each chapter.
Also check out the manufacturer in the “Big Black Book” decorating resource guide at the end.

Easy Green Living: The Ultimate Guide to Simple, Eco-Friendly Choices for You and Your Home, by Renée Loux (416 pages, Rodale Books). Before reading this book, my approach to green living consisted of faithfully recycling my newspapers and magazines, turning off the lights when I left the room, and unplugging unused appliances. But this book proves there’s so much more to truly living a green lifestyle—it extends to the way we furnish our homes, prepare meals, clean, and much more.
Perhaps best of all, this all-encompassing book stays true to its title. Loux—host of the TV show Easy Being Green—proves that eco-friendly living really is easy and affordable. My favorite part? The abundance of engaging facts, such as this one: Scratched or cracked plastic containers leach more chemicals into food and drinks than new ones. I walked away with all sorts of practical knowledge, and it’s information that really makes me want to make a difference in greening my daily routine. Another bonus: Loux lists green products and companies in detail, so you’ll know what to look for when you head to the store. Oh, and speaking of the store: You know how we’re bombarded with all sorts of labels nowadays, from “Fair Trade” to “Certified Organic”? Loux dishes on what these labels actually mean to us consumers.

My Home, My Money Pit: Your Guide to Every Home Improvement Adventure, by Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete (256 pages, Knack). I may not be a homeowner yet, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book, written by the hosts of the popular syndicated radio program “The Money Pit.” Why? Tom and Leslie present every morsel of information—from obtaining the perfect patio to planning your dream kitchen—in a clever yet practical manner. The comprehensive book is organized in a room-by-room fashion, so every inch of your home is fair game. And it addresses common issues faced by homeowners: Should I tackle the project myself or hire a pro? How do I successfully survive a home inspection? Whatever issues you have with your home, rest assured: Tom and Leslie will help you make informed home decisions every step of the way. As my good friends gradually start buying their first homes, this book is going to be my housewarming gift to them. Learn more about My Home, My Money Pit here.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Post-Holiday Recycling

Whew—you made it through another whirlwind Christmas. How did it go? Gauging by the mound of garbage at my door, I’d say things went pretty well here. But this year instead of chucking it all in the trash, I’m going to recycle. And you should too. Everything from your cardboard boxes to your Christmas tree can be reused. So gather it up and get ready to save the planet.

Boxes
If you’re lucky enough to have curbside recycling, it’s likely the program will accept both flat and corrugated cardboard. Break down all those boxes from your new electronics and toys and send them to the curb. No curbside recycling? Visit The Recycling Center’s website to find a center in your town, or check with local grocery stores to see if they accept boxes. And don’t forget egg nog and other cardboard food containers—just give them a good scrub before dropping them in the recycling box.

Batteries
Because of all the toxic metals in rechargeable batteries—think mercury, lead acid, nickel cadmium, alkaline, and nickel metal hydride—it’s important that you dispose of them properly. And thanks to the Battery Act of 1996, recycling rechargeable NiCard, NiMH, Lithium-Ion, and sealed lead-acid batteries is easier than ever. The next time you’re out and about swing by a local retail store like Home Depot, Wal-Mart, or Target to drop off your dead rechargeable batteries to be recycled. The best part? It’s free! 

Wrapping Paper
Not all wrapping paper is recyclable. If it has metallic specks or is very thin, you can’t send it to the recycle center. Rather than throw it away, pass it through the shredder and use it as filler for other presents. Or if you’re feeling mighty crafty, try your hand at paper beads. For more ideas on how to recycle gift wrap, head on over to Craft Stew.

Christmas Tree
And finally, you can’t forget the tree. We filled you in last year on how to recycle it, but just in case you’ve forgotten how, read all about it here.

So what else are you recycling this year?

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Happy Holidays!

The folks here at The Home Know-It-All are taking the rest of the week off to enjoy time with family and friends. We hope you’ll do the same.

But don’t worry. We’re still here to help in the last-minute rush to Christmas. In case you missed them, these posts will have you checking things off the to-do list in no time—so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the holiday spirit.

Here’s how to:

Prepare for overnight guests

Wrap baked goods for tasty gifts

Tackle some last-minute shopping with $20 gift ideas from the Helpful Hardware Man

Buy gifts for the baking fan in your life (or make your last-minute baking easier)

Decorate for the season without breaking your budget

Stay safe while decorating

Oh, and one last tip: If you’re looking for a clever way to wish family and friends Merry Christmas, just go Elf Yourself. You’ll have your loved ones laughing in no time!

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

Entertaining Ideas: Stocking the bar

When you’re ready to stock your bar for a holiday party, there’s only one set rule: Don’t let it run dry. As far as what alcohol, garnishes, and mixers to fill it with, it’s really quite simple. Just follow these guidelines:

Alcohol
To cover all your bases, you’ll need the eight main liquors: bourbon, brandy, gin, rum, scotch, tequila, vodka, and whiskey. You’ll also need a selection of beer. One domestic and one imported should do ya. And for a proper toast, you may also need champagne. It may even be a good idea to have a few liqueurs, like Amaretto, Kahlúa, Cointreau, and—because it’s Christmas—peppermint Schnapps. Having a hard time figuring out how much to buy? Go here.

But if all this seems like too much, just pick your favorites or put together a menu of festive drinks for guests to choose from. That way you’ll only need to stock the right ingredients. Bop on over to Fine Living for a few cocktail ideas. I vote for the gingerbread martini, champagne punch, and the minted hot chocolate. And you definitely can’t go wrong with mulled wine. Try this five-star recipe courtesy of my favorite television channel, The Food Network.

Garnishes
If you decide to go the menu route, your garnishes will pretty much be decided for you, but if you’d rather do the open bar, you’ll need to stock a wide array of garnishes. Have on hand citrus (slices, wedges, or peels), coarse salt, maraschino cherries, olives (green and black), pickles, simple syrup, Worcestershire, and Tabasco sauce. You’ll also need lots and lots of ice, preferably crushed.

Mixers
As with garnishes, pick your mixers based on your recipes. No recipes? You’ll need several varieties of soda, including club. You’ll also need several juices, such as tomato, pineapple, orange, and grapefruit. And I’d also stock up on grenadine (my favorite!) and margarita mix to make things a little easier for the bartender.

Equipment
While you’re at the liquor story, be sure to grab extra corkscrews, a bottle opener, cocktail shaker, jigger, and bar spoon if you don’t already own them. And to set your bar up properly, gather a blender, measuring cups, knife, and cutting board close by.

Keep in mind, you can stock your bar as high as the Eiffel Tower and still be short something, so if you’re on a limited budget, it’s probably wise to offer up a couple drink options and leave it at that. And, of course, you’d be crazy to let anyone drive away from your party intoxicated, so be prepared to designate yourself as a driver or turn your guest bedroom over to an inebriated visitor.

May your holiday parties be merry, cheery, and full of fun!
The Home Know-It-All

Loft-Style Living

When my friend Katie first told me she was moving into a one-bedroom loft rather than the townhouse she had been considering, I thought she had gone crazy. Ever the traditionalist, I like my living quarters to have distinct rooms, and I prefer classic style over modern.

But my skeptical views toward loft-style living vanished the minute I entered Katie’s new place for the first time. Yes, it’s essentially still one large, open space, but it’s filled with function and flair. As you can see, Katie’s loft is a prime example of how cutting-edge contemporary style can be comfortable. Here’s how she did it:

Warm hues. Katie’s loft has concrete walls and floors. And although expanses of solid concrete have the potential to look bland, stark, and super-industrial, Katie’s loft is anything but. That’s because one wall is painted a warm, sandy brown color and large pieces of artwork adorn many of her other walls. Plus, her living room furniture—a black futon, olive green sofas, a soft area rug, and plenty of accent pillows—add character.

Flexible furnishings. The key to making the most of undefined space is to strategically arrange your furnishings, and to opt for portable furnishings whenever possible.

• When Katie desires a bit more privacy—or doesn’t want people staring at her closet/bedroom area, she uses a large, painted folding screen (a work of art in itself) to close off the space.
• A moveable stainless-steel kitchen island with a flat top for food prep and space underneath for storage rests in the center of Katie’s kitchen. When Katie needs more space, all she has to do is roll the island against the wall.
• Katie’s closet and living room lacked lighting fixtures when she moved in. So she purchased several floor and table lamps, which she can move about as needed.

Smart storage. Kitchen cabinet space is limited, so Katie relies on tall metal shelves to corral her dishes, cooking gear, and bar ware. Because all these items are exposed, artful arrangement is key—rather than randomly placing items on the shelves, Katie created an appealing display. And she took the same approach in the living room. Though her two massive bookshelves are filled with DVDs and books (this is one avid reader, folks), she incorporates decorative items throughout so nothing appears cluttered. Also in the living room: A pretty trunk and compact black filing system, which keeps papers and other small items out of sight. And in the loft’s only closet—a large space with only one long clothes bar, Katie customized the area with lots of open, stacked storage cubes to house shoes, accessories, and T-shirts, making her morning routine more of a breeze.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Green Insulation

We’ve talked about the importance of insulating your home to save energy and money. While you’re at it, why not go a step further—for the good of the environment and your health—with environmentally friendly insulation? There are a lot of options available right now. Here are a few.

Recycled. Keep waste out of the landfill and stay warm by opting for recycled insulation. Recycled insulation may be made from a number of materials, including melted minerals and sand or recycled glass (fiberglass), recycled newspaper (cellulose, paper), recycled steel slag (rockwool), and mill waste and low-grade and recycled cotton (cotton). Learn about the pluses and minuses of each at Greenyour.com.

One recycled-content insulation that has received quite a lot of press lately is UltraTouch Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation, produced by Bonded Logic. This insulation is made from 85 percent post-industrial cotton (think denim manufacturing scraps). It’s treated with a natural fire retardant, is 100 percent recyclable, and is VOC-free.

Hemp. HempFlax insulation mats are made from natural hemp fibers with some polyester fiber for reinforcing. They are available in several thicknesses for insulating roofs, walls, and floors. Hemp processing is clean and low on dust.

Sheep’s Wool. Thermafleece sheep’s wool insulation is produced by Second Nature. Sheep’s wool is safe and easy to handle and, unlike traditional insulation, won’t cause itching and skin irritation. Plus, wool captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere which, according to the company website, gives Thermafleece a negative global warming potential.

Spray-In Foam. Spray-in foam starts out as a liquid and, once it is sprayed, expands and solidifies, working as an air barrier to stop more than 90 percent of air infiltration and minimizing allergens and pollution in your house. Some spray-in foam is loaded with chemicals, but others, like Icynene, are water-blown and don’t offgas nasty chemicals. (Icynene is free of formaldehyde too.)

Soy. Another spray-in option: soy-based polyurethane, produced by BioBased Insulation. It’s made with soybean oil, so there aren’t any petrochemicals, and you won’t have to worry about mold growth (or pests eating it). Soy-based polyurethane is also free of CFCs and VOCs. BioBased Insulation was the first polyurethane spray foam insulation to earn GREENGUARD certification. Learn more about it from this Fine Homebuilding video.

Mushrooms. OK. This insulation isn’t made solely from mushrooms. But Greensulate is made from agricultural waste products—think rice and buckwheat hulls—combined with mycelium, which is a fibrous network created by mushrooms. The petroleum-free insulation is priced similar to standard rigid board insulation (like Styrofoam) and has a comparable R-value. And, perhaps best of all, when you’re done with it, Greensulate will rapidly break down, enriching the soil and even helping nearby waste breakdown too. The only catch? You’ll have to wait a while to try it out—it probably won’t be available as insulation until the end of 2010 (although you can buy other Greensulate products, such as coolers, now).

What great green insulation options did I miss? Let me know!

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

Preparing for Overnight Guests

Whether you’re hosting out-of-town family—or the occasional party guest who imbibed too much—get your home guest-ready with these tips and tricks:

• Clean and organize: Vacuum, dust, mop, clean the refrigerator and corral clutter as much as possible.
• Stay calm and collected. Forgot to clean under the bed in the guest room? Worry not. Chances are, your guests won’t even look under the bed. While it’s essential to clean before guests arrive, your family members aren’t there to criticize you. They’re there to spend quality time with you. Period.
• Stock your spare bedroom with clean sheets and blankets, plump pillows (cover them with a pillow protector) a stack of magazines or books, a snack tray, mirror, reading light, tissues, and alarm clock. Make the room even more home-y with framed pictures (especially of you and your guests) and a vase of fresh flowers, which you can buy inexpensively at the grocery store.
• Tidy up the bathroom—this is one room that should be spotless. Also make sure to have extra towels, washcloths, shampoo, soap, body lotion, disposable razors, and other toiletries on hand. HGTV dishes on the top 5 elements of a guest-friendly bathroom.
• Faced with a shortage of beds? Invest in good-quality inflatable air mattresses, or check out Real Simple’s top bed choices for overnight guests.
• Provide space for guests’ clothes by clearing out a couple of drawers or putting a luggage rack, bench, or clothes butler in the guest room (accompanied by hangers, of course).
• Download this houseguest worksheet, courtesy of Real Simple. It allows you to fill out emergency contact information and other vital information guests might need. Distribute one to each guest.

For other ways to make your home even more warm and welcoming, try these tips from Simple Mom.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Make Your Own Artwork

Are your walls looking a little bare and your dining room table lacking a centerpiece but your wallet’s practically empty? Well, you don’t have to have an art degree or even consider yourself crafty to create homemade artwork for your house or apartment. In fact, you need no skill at all to complete these easy projects. Go ahead, give ’em a spin. (And send us pictures when they’re completed!)

No-Art Frames. Head out to the flea market and pick up a few glassless frames in all different shapes and sizes. Give them a fresh coat of paint and hang them to create a display that requires no artistic ability whatsoever. Need to see it to believe it? Blueprint can show you how it’s done.

Fabric Art. If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a couple bolts of fabric lying around that you’ve been meaning to turn into pillows or curtains. But you just haven’t found the time—or the patience—to actually do it. Instead of breaking out the sewing machine, stretch the fabric over a wooden frame like this. Don’t have any fabric? Head to your local thrift store and snatch up all the 50-cent scarves you can find. They work perfect for this project.

Etched Glass. Gather all your old jelly, pickle, and mason jars to give them an updated look with an etching kit. Then, head to the library to find a book of simple illustrations or download some from the Internet. (Be sure to pick basic designs because you’ll be cutting them out with an X-Acto knife later.) Using a copier, transfer your illustrations to clear, adhesive label sheets and cut out the part you want etched on your jar with an X-Acto knife. Stick the sheet to your jar, brush on the etching cream, and wait five minutes. Finally, peel back the adhesive, and you’ve got a beautifully etched jar. Want more in-depth instructions? Head over to the Design*Sponge. (And if you’ve never visited that site, hang around awhile—there are even more easy DIY art projects there.)

Flower Power. Although you may not have the photography skills to appropriately capture the bouquet of flowers your sweetie recently sent, I promise that you can still use them to create artwork. You’ll need a computer and flatbed scanner. Pick out a few of your favorite blooms and place them facedown on the scanner. Press “scan,” and try fiddling with the settings to see what interesting effects you can create. Print the artwork on a high-quality inkjet printer, or save it to a disk for your favorite photo lab to print. Visit Cottage Living for complete directions.

And for a healthy dose of inspiration, check out what the creative folks at Cardboard Safari have been cooking up. Their handmade cardboard alpine tree would look pretty nice on my dining room table this time of year. Perhaps I’ll buy it and pass it off as my own (wink!).

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Sweet Wrapping Tips for Scrumptious Holiday Treats

On a strict holiday gift budget this year? Me too. So rather than breaking the bank, surprise friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors with something that will satisfy their sweet tooth instead.

The key to transforming cookies, candies, bars, and other baked goodies into an extra-special gift is proper presentation—artful packaging goes a long way in wowing recipients. You’ve put a lot of love—and time—into making these desserts; now try these ideas for wrapping your sweet treats with flair.

Looking for something easy yet full of pizzazz? Check out Country Living’s Decorative Cookie Gift. Simply stack cookies in a baking cup adorned with a ribbon. Then place the cookie stack in a cellophane bag and tie with a ribbon. For an extra-special twist, string a recipe card backed with pretty paper along the ribbon.

Fill festive decorative tins—found at many stores as well as garage sales—with your favorite treats. Or why not give an old coffee tin a new use? Thoroughly clean it out and cover the exterior with colorful paper.

If your friend is a budding chef, surprise him or her with a functional food gift. Inexpensive kitchen supplies make hardworking gift containers that your friend can use once the goodies are eaten. Better Homes and Gardens has oodles of ideas for creative wrapping ideas—think cookies stacked in a stainless steel colander, muffin tin, and much more.

Does the thought of baking batches upon batches of your signature sugar cookies seem daunting, especially when your December calendar is packed with fun holiday events? Prepare the dough, wrap it up, and let your gift recipients do the rest, suggests lifestyle expert Nancy Soriano. Simply form the dough like a log, wrap the dough in waxed paper (you can put pretty scrapbook paper on top of the waxed paper) and secure with ribbon. Ta-da! You can also take the same approach with brownie and muffin mixes—layer the dry ingredients in a beribboned glass jar with the recipe attached.

It’s a good idea to line gift boxes and decorative tins with waxed tissue paper or metallic paper, which won’t absorb flavor or oils. Visit Papermart.com to find all sorts of colors and patterns. If you’d prefer to take a more eco-friendly approach to your gift wrap, use small brown paper sacks embellished with pretty designs. Learn how to make these bags here.

Are your baked goods traveling hundreds of miles? You’ll want to take extra precaution when sending items in the mail—and may even want to let a professional handle packages of this caliber. Baking 911 gives you the lowdown on ensuring your gifts arrive fresh, tasty, and all in one piece.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-Al

10 Budget-Friendly Cleaning Ideas

Okay, I’m a clean freak—I’ll admit it. I like my floors swept, shower scrubbed, and carpet vacuumed. But I’m also on a tight budget, which means I can’t buy every new cleaning gadget out there or every sparkly—but costly—green cleaner I ooh and ahh over. I can still keep my little apartment immaculate, though. Here’s how I do it:  

1. Make the most of dish soap. I have a slight obsession with Method’s French lavender dish soap and use it for almost everything. By pouring a few drops in a bucket of water, I get my kitchen floors so clean I could practically eat off of  ’em, and I avoid buying expensive and harmful floor cleaners. And to my delight, Method’s soap is so potent a few drops will do me. I also use it to remove stains and clean glass.

2. Stock up on the store brand. Don’t think for one second that the store brand is any less qualified to clean than the name brand. I use my local grocery store’s brand of sponges, mops, brooms, bleach, and whatever else I can get my hands on. But keep an eye on the ingredients. If the store brand is lacking a crucial component, I usually stick with the name brand.

3. Reuse, reuse, reuse. Forget tossing old towels and t-shirts—cut them into smaller pieces to use as dust and cleaning rags. By doing this, I save the landfill from more trash and myself the cost of paper towels.

4. Borax. This little wonder can do just about everything under the sun. And—even better—it’s a naturally occurring substance, making it quite environmentally friendly. I use it to scrub the bathroom and kitchen. And though I’ve never tried it, you can also make laundry soap out of it as well. Check out all the low-cost Borax recipes here. But even though it’s a natural product, it can be toxic if ingested, so use with care and store away from children.

5. Concoct my own. We’ve pointed you toward this site before for green-cleaner recipes, but a little reminder never hurt anyone. Rhonda Jean’s concoctions are some of the best out there, and her other frugal advice is worth taking. I’m especially fond of her sink cleaner recipe.

6. Follow directions. I’m always tempted to pour a little extra laundry detergent in a load or spray the shower cleaner a few more times, but if I keep my urges in check, my cleaners last a lot longer. So check the directions and only use the amount specified. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but you’ll thank me when you see how much you save.

7. Line dry. At my apartment building, it costs a buck for every load I dry, so I often skip the dryer all together. My clothes take less wear and tear and hold their shape for longer. Plus, I save money. And even if you have full access to your own dryer, your energy bill will drop if you avoid it as often as possible.

8. Muster some elbow grease. Stains and that sticky goop at the bottom of the fridge have nothing on these guns. Although it’s easy to reach for the cleaner, sometimes it just takes a little extra scrubbing. So before I break out anything toxic, I try my hand at a little soap and water and a lot of elbow grease. 

9. Hold out for a full load. I wait until the dishwasher or laundry basket is stuffed to the brim before I run another load. It may test my patience—sometimes I really want to wear that dirty pair of jeans—but it saves me serious dough. 

10. Maintain. I try to stay on top of my cleaning duties. A little extra time spent now prevents me from spending more money on tougher cleaners and pest control down the road.  Try giving your home a good clean about once a week.

So that’s what I do. Now tell me—what’s your secret?

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Under $20 Gift Ideas from the Helpful Hardware Man

Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s Helpful Hardware Man, knows his stuff. He’s a nationally recognized DIY expert who’s a master of giving tips on gardening, lawn maintenance, and home improvement safety. And he’s known by many names: the James Bond of Home Improvement, Mr. Fix-It, and Ace Hardware’s Helpful Hardware Man are just a few.

Best of all, Lou is always ready to share his knowledge with folks like us. Last month, he helped us figure out what to do to get our homes ready for winter.

Today he’s back and he’s in the holiday spirit, armed with his top picks for gift ideas under $20. These great ideas, all available at acehardware.com or your local Ace Hardware, are sure to please your recipients—and your pocketbook.

So, without further ado, I turn things over to Lou:

TOP GIFTS UNDER $20
Dremel 150 Pc. Super Accessory Kit ($14.99)
This is a great gift for anyone with a Dremel Rotary tool. If I could only buy one power tool, it would be a Dremel Rotary tool. And armed with this accessory kit, I am pretty sure you could take over the world. 

Wireless Weather Station with Forecast ($19.99)
I love this gift for families. With four young children at our house, our weather station is my partner in crime. My daughters tend to fight over wearing a hat or scarf, and when they do I just point to the weather station to detail the forecast for the day. That and the threat of no TV after homework usually works.

Irwin 65pc. Drill/Drive Set ($14.99)
You know when you need to drill a hole or use your driver/drill and you never have the right bit? Well, those days are gone. If this set does not have the bit you are looking for, you don’t need it.

Wet/Dry Auto Vacuum ($9.99)
This is a very useful gift for anyone who owns a car, boat or RV. It plugs into your lighter so it will keep the space looking good, and it’s so compact that storage is a piece of cake.

Snap-on Flashlight & Knife Gift Set ($19.99)
Both of these tools are durable—and you would be surprised how handy it is to have a flashlight ready to go when you need it. Just remind the recipient to replace the batteries once a year.

Black & Decker Detail Finish Sander ($19.99)
If someone you know has refinishing projects on their to-do list, then this finish sander will be a great help with the detail work. With the correct grit of paper, you can achieve a smooth a glass finish. And do not let the low price fool you. Black & Decker makes a great line of power tools.

Ronco Pocket Fisherman ($15.99)
If there is anyone on your list that is between the age of, say, 35 to 45 years old, then they will remember the Pocket Fisherman. I used to have one as a child and thought it was pretty cool. It’s small enough to keep in the glove box, and your fishing fanatic friend can play with a flip of the rod. So retro, so cool.

BIG-TICKET GIFTS
The rest of the gifts on the list are great on the budget. But these two picks are worth their bigger price tag. I’ll tell you why.

Weber “Q” 220 Gas Grill ($229.00)
This is a great gift for tailgaters or for people who live in smaller spaces.  When Weber introduced this line of grills around 5 years ago, I thought it was a gimmick. And then I cooked on one. And then I bought one. The grill surface is made of cast iron and gets really hot, so you can grill anything. The best part is that it’s portable and perfect for on-the-go use or for spaces like a balcony or small deck.

Venta-Sonic Indoor Humidifier ($99.00)
This humidifier is a great gift for anyone on your list with allergies or who is looking to save some money. With winter here, dry air will soon be seeping into many people’s homes. This line of humidifiers can create warm and cool mist and no dust. The filter keeps the water clean so all that is dispensed into the air is moisture, which will help the air quality, improve comfort, and actually help lower your energy bills.

Thanks for all your great recommendations, Lou. And happy holiday shopping to all …

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

Hang Up Your Coat—And Stay for Awhile! - Part II

With the Antigravity Chandelier, you get two for the price of one. One coat hanger and one chandelier, that is. Now you can illuminate your entryway and organize it all at the same time. The designer, Jun Tase of Japan, is known for his multi-functional work, so be sure to check out his magazine rack/stool and chair/table when you visit his site.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Hang Up Your Coat—And Stay for Awhile!

For some odd reason, I’ve always had quite the affinity for coat racks and coat hangers and anything that puts my warm winter coat at arm’s length when it’s below zero outside. They’re a nice way to get clutter up off the floor, and they organize belongings within eyesight. They come in a huge range of shapes, sizes, and colors, and as an added benefit, they encourage guests to take off their coats and sit for a spell. So what’s not to love?

Here are a few of the genius coat racks we’re now lusting after

Get ready to catch a wave with this wall-mount hanger—available in both black and white for distinct contemporary style—from designer Nanni Holén of Design House Stockholm. Hang it at different angles to create playful shadows and make room for all your coats, scarves, and hats.

Like the natural look? Well, it doesn’t get anymore green than the Entwined Root Coat Stand ($259) from VivaTerra, see above right, a truly organic, eco-friendly company that you should check out immediately. This coat stand is handmade out of a dense wood, and because each limb is unique, your stand is sure to be one of a kind.

For the more traditional readers out there, here’s the Victoriana Iron Coat Hook ($16 for one and $28 for a set of two) from NapaStyle. This 5-prong, 15-hook hanger is ideal for tight spaces and folks with lots of coats. Finished with a rust patina, it takes you right back to the Victorian Era

 And finally, these Tree Hooked Coat Hooks ($75), see above left, are really growing on me (get it?). You can find them at Elsewares, a design-passionate company with more than just a couple items I’ve been eyeing. Combine the hooks to create one sprawling coat rack or hang one all on its own. Either way, they’re sleek, modern, and just the thing my apartment needs.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Gadgets for Easier Holiday Baking

You know that Andy Williams holiday song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?” Well, even though he croons about parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow, I’m convinced he thought about more holiday treats than just marshmallows while writing that song.

Maybe that’s because I always have goodies on the brain during the holidays, which I also believe is the best time of year. Toffee, fudge, and iced sugar cookies—oh my! You could say I’m all about the holiday baking—and sampling. (I’ll worry about my waistline after January 1, thank you very much.)

If you’re like me and you’re ready to start whipping up batches of scrumptious seasonal treats, check out these tools that will make the baking process more efficient, giving you time to focus on other holiday perks—like parties, caroling, and, most importantly, togetherness with friends and family.

Picture perfect. It’s possible to score cookies that look like they came straight from the pages of a magazine with the Cookie Press and Decorating Kit from Crate & Barrel ($29.95). The easy-to-use cookie press is accompanied by six decorating tips and 14 aluminum disks in festive shapes. Simply fill the container with dough and punch your favorite designs—snowflakes, candy canes, trees, and more—into the dough. Also consider the Push ’n Print Cookie Cutter Set from Wilton ($7.99/set of four). Fun!

Space saver. Take it from a girl with a tiny kitchen: Baking sheets consume a lot of space—especially when you’ve got three or four going. That’s why the Linden Baker’s Rack from Target ($19.99) is a good idea. This vertical, foldable storage rack can hold as many as four baking sheets at a time without sacrificing precious counter space.

Smooth sailing. Who wants to spend time picking pesky dough off their rolling pin or scraping sticky caramel from the pan? Not me. Save time by equipping yourself with nonstick bakeware such as the Nonstick Rolling Mat ($49.95), Silicone Rolling Pin ($49.95), and Silicone Spatulas and Spoonula (prices range from $7 for a small spatula to $27.50 for a personalized set of three spatulas), all from Williams-Sonoma.

Sugar coated. Gone are the days of pilfering through your pantry in search of those Red Hots you desperately need to adorn your gingerbread house. The simple yet brilliant Candy Carousel from Shop Taste of Home ($29.99), see photo right, keeps sprinkles, colored sugars, and small candies in one convenient rotating location—and eliminates a trip to the grocery store. That’s because the carousel’s eight 3.5-ounce shakers come pre-filled. Another bonus: the containers have a shaker top for easy dispensing.

Now that I have my sleek KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer to whip up cookie dough and cake batter, I don’t know how I survived without it. And when it comes to making precise liquid measurements, I swear by this OXO Angled Measuring Cup, which I received for Christmas last year. But enough about me. What holiday baking gadgets can’t you live without?

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Battle Cold-Weather Drafts

For the sake of your cold tootsies and the rising cost of your electrical bill, it’s time to wage war … a war against plummeting temperatures. It’s time to stop freezing air from coming around your windows, down your chimney, through your crawlspace, and past your insulation. It’s time to reign supreme over your warm fortress and blockade cold air once and for all. Are you with me?

According to Energy Star, you can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs by sealing and insulating your home properly. Lucky for you, the battle to weatherproof your home is easily won—just shield these five essential locations.

1. Windows. Apart from replacing drafty windows, you can insulate them. Purchase a window insulation kit—like this one from ACE Hardware ($11.99)—at your local hardware store. To see how it’s done, visit About.com to watch a helpful video.

2. Wood-Burning Fireplace. Your chimney pulls air up and out of your home by creating a draft, which is fine and good when you actually have a fire burning. But when you don’t, your chimney may still be pulling warm air out of your home. If you use your fireplace but once every three years, consider sealing it off permanently and insulating the chimney. But if you enjoy the crackle and warmth of a fire a few times each winter, check your damper—the door or window inside the fireplace that let’s smoke out—at the beginning of each season. Oftentimes, these get damaged or rusty and need to be replaced.

You can also install glass doors for better sealing and a nice aesthetic look. (Check out the wide selection available at Woodland Direct.) For the best insulation possible, however, invest in a fireplace heater, which comes equipped with a blower and thermostat. These units draw air in, circulate it through a heating chamber, and blow it back out into your room. Plus, they’re completely sealed to prevent warm air from escaping through the chimney.

3. Attic Stairs. Although your attic may be well insulated, I’m willing to bet the hole created by your attic stairs is not. If you’re pretty handy, try creating a cover for this opening yourself. Danny Lipford’s site, Expert Advice on Home Improvement, walks you through the process. Not a do-it-yourselfer? Buy a pre-made insulator—like the Attic Tent or the Draft Cap.

4. Clothes-Dryer Vent. The typical sheet-metal flap on your dryer vent just won’t cut it. It not only leaks warm, moist air out, but it also sucks cold air in. Install an energy-saving model—like this one from Battic Door—to tackle this draft.

5. Crawlspace. Warm up cold floors by adding insulation to your crawlspace. But before starting, get a cost estimate and rate of return on your investment by visiting the U.S. Department of Energy’s Insulation Fact Sheet. If adding insulation to your crawlspace seems like a good venture, you have two decisions: do it yourself or hire a contractor. If you know your way around a tool belt, the Department of Energy can walk you through adding insulation here.

For a more in-depth plan of attack, follow Energy Star’s do-it-yourself guide to reducing cold-weather drafts. And be sure to give me an update on your progress.

Godspeed and good luck!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Snow Thrower 101

Just a little under a year ago, I posted about smart snow removal methods, giving you a brief rundown of the three most common types of snow removal: shoveling, snow throwers, and radiant heating. But since Mother Nature is threatening some serious snow here in the Midwest, I thought I’d focus on snow throwers (also known as snow blowers) in particular—especially since my parents just invested in their first one.

You have lots of decisions to make when choosing a snow thrower. Does a single-stage or two-stage make more sense for your climate? If you opt for a single-stage, should you go gas or electric? How much do you want to pay? Luckily, choosing the right model isn’t as tricky as you may think:

Single-stage. Here’s the basic gist of how they work: They have a spinning auger that comes in direct contact with the pavement to scoop up snow and propel it out of a discharge shoot. Their clearing path ranges from 11 inches to 24 inches. And like I mentioned above, single-stage snow throwers come in two general models: electric and gas.

If you’ve got a short, flat driveway and typically receive less than 4 inches of snowfall on average, a single-stage electric is the way to go. They’re compact, light, and have a lesser environmental impact than other snow throwers (and they’re generally the least expensive, too, costing you anywhere from $100 to $300, Consumer Reports says.).

But if you’ve got a mid-size driveway and receive 8 inches or less of the fluffy white stuff, you’ll need something with a bit more gusto—a single-stage gas model. Comparable to a lawnmower in size, these snow throwers usually come with electric starting and will run you approximately $300 to $750 on average, according to Consumer Reports.

Two-stage. Have a long, hilly driveway—and a heavy average annual snowfall to boot? You’ll probably want to consider a two-stage snow thrower, which is primed to clear away deep, wet snow. With these powerful machines, more snow is moved at a farther distance because they have a spinning impeller that collects the snow from the auger and propels it at increased speed. (Some models can clear as much as 45 inches, depending on the model!) Two-stage snow throwers are also a good choice if you’ve got a gravel driveway, since the auger doesn’t touch the ground. Because these models are larger and more powerful than their one-stage counterparts, you can expect to shell out more money for ’em (anywhere from $600 to $2,000-plus, according to Consumer Reports).

Quality and cost should both play a big role in your buying decision. So before you head to the store, you’ll definitely want to consult this Lowe’s snow thrower buying guide first. And then hop on over to this super-handy Consumer Reports blog where, in addition to info about the different types of throwers, you’ll find a list of buying considerations and features to look for.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Garage Door Springs

Odds are, you don’t sit around contemplating your garage door springs very often. In fact, they probably don’t cross you mind at all—until one of them needs fixed. And then you stand under your broken garage door opener, scratching your head and wondering what the heck you need to do.

Lucky you, I’m here to tell you (thanks to the assistance of our friendly photographer Jim, who experienced garage door spring repair first-hand recently).

First of all, in case you’re wondering, here’s what a whole garage door spring looks like, shown below:

All photos courtesy of James A. Stepp, Lexicon Media

And here’s what you’ll see if your spring is broken, shown below:

There are two springs on a garage door, both of which are rated for a certain number of cycles. Toward the end of their lifespan, the springs can break.

Should that happen, it’s time for repair or replacement.

If your spring is a nonstandard size and needs to be built by a contractor, you can temporarily clamp the broken spring so it will work until a new spring can be built and installed, as shown below.

Regardless of spring size, it’s best to replace both springs at the same time. Odds are, if one spring fails, the other’s lifespan is about up too, so you might as well save yourself the trouble and tackle both now.

You can learn the basics of replacing garage door springs from the Natural Handyman. And DDM Garage Doors offers stellar step-by-step instructions, complete with detailed photos.

Some folks say that spring repair is best left to the professionals though, in which case it never hurts to call a garage door contractor.

Maintenance Tip: Spray garage door springs at least once a year with WD-40 to extend their life. All you need is a bead along the top. Or you can purchase garage door lubricant spray like the installers use. Unlike WD-40, this spray can be used on the hinges and rollers because it does not have the drying agent in it that WD-40 does. The pros recommend using their spray on the springs twice a year: once on the coldest day and once during the hottest.

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

Overwintering Your Garden

If I could overwinter myself, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But as it is, I have to go to work and I have to go to the grocery store and, therefore, can’t hibernate through winter months. Oh, but I wish I could.

Those silly outdoor plants, however, are an entirely different story. They’re more than welcome to overwinter—or wait out the frosty season—and if done properly, they’ll come back more invigorated and livelier than ever.

Start by taking a look outside. Do you have any plants that could make a nice home indoors? Geraniums, begonias, and many small tomato and pepper plants grow nicely inside. Bring the foliage to the garage, porch, or basement first for a smoother transition and check for insects. For tips on dealing with bugs, adjusting lighting, and much more, check out what Thrifty Fun has to say about overwintering plants.

Don’t have the space to overwinter indoors? If your outdoor plants are all potted, you better be up to a challenge. Although it’s definitely not impossible to protect them through winter, container-grown plants don’t have the same advantages as garden-grown plants, which develop foliage, plants, stems, and branches that help ward off freezing temperatures and aid in a natural overwintering process). If you’re a gardener of the container variety, I’d recommend reading what Canadian Gardening has to say. (Canadians do know more than a few things about freezing temperatures, eh?)

For more tips (12 to be exact) on overwintering plants, visit this site. And for seed-saving advice, read out this About.com article.

As always, let me know if you can offer any more wisdom!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Budget-friendly holiday decorating

The day after Thanksgiving, I didn’t go shopping. Instead, I slept in and spent the afternoon digging through box after box of my mom’s Christmas decorations for items that I could use to get my apartment in the holiday spirit. And yes—I had permission to snag some sweet holiday gear such as a miniature Christmas tree, Peanuts-gang ornaments, and more.

But I didn’t stop there. When I got home, I headed to the local crafts store for some inexpensive red and green pillar candles in varying heights and put them on a large silver candle saucer for an easy and inexpensive centerpiece on my coffee table.

The key to holiday decorating on the cheap? Use your imagination—and items you already have around the house. Take those old glass jars that sit unused in your kitchen cabinets for instance. Now’s the time to put them to good use. Place a tealight inside and tie a festive ribbon around the neck of a jar. Group several jars together for a dazzling display of lights.

As for those old gift boxes you’ve got laying around? Real Simple has the perfect solution: Tie a ribbon around them, as if you were wrapping a present, and display your “gifts” on the mantel or another shelf.

Or you could do what my good friend Katie does: Arrange multicolor glass ball ornaments in bowls and glass hurricanes. (The folks at Better Homes and Gardens recommend using a clear martini glass for a sophisticated touch. Love, love, love it!)

If you have a sweet tooth like me, you’ll enjoy these candy topiaries, made by hot glue-ing Christmas-theme candies to foam topiary trees, found at crafts stores. Display your trees on a large candle stand.

Of course, there are tons of other ideas to get your home ready for the holidays in no time—and keep your hard-earned dollars where they belong: your wallet. What budget-friendly holiday ideas do you recommend? 

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

It’s Holiday Decorating Time!

I don’t know about you, but now that Thanksgiving is over and there’s a dusting of snow on the ground, I’m itching to get out the holiday decorations. In fact, odds are I’ll have the tree decorated and a few random holiday knickknacks on display before you even have a chance to read this post.

Last year, we wrote about all sorts of holiday-related topics. So, to kick December off, I thought I’d direct you to a few that might be helpful as you tackle this year’s holiday decorating. Then stay tuned, because this month we have a slew of new holiday-related posts on tap—including quite a few to help you enjoy the holiday season without breaking your budget. Enjoy!

• Easy Holiday Decorating
• Hanging Outdoor Lights
• Festive Outdoor Décor
• How About a Green Christmas?
• Green Gift Wrapping

And if you missed it, be sure to check out yesterday’s post on holiday decorating safety.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

You’ve successfully stuffed yourself with turkey and pumpkin pie, watched football until your eyes bulged, and slept it all off in your comfy recliner. Now it’s time to decorate. That’s right, it’s time to lug the holiday decorations up from downstairs, wrestle with garland, climb tall ladders, and hang fragile glass ornaments—all while listening to cheerful holiday tunes. Sounds like fun, right?

Truthfully, I can hardly wait, but I do realize decorating is hard work. And many folks begrudge it not only because it’s time consuming but also because it’s a little unsafe. Limit the number of hazards you face this year by following these guidelines:

Ladders. Before you even think of climbing a ladder, ask yourself: Is the ground firm and level? Is your ladder the right height for the job? Are you under the ladder’s weight limit? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, you better rethink your objective—or go buy a new ladder. I’m pretty fond of the Little Giant Ladder System, ($435). With minor adjustments, it can switch from an A-frame to an extension, to a stepladder, and even to scaffolding.

Lighting. After you’ve unpacked your lights, check for any broken bulbs and toss strands with any cracked sockets or frayed or bare wires. Look for the Underwriters Laboratory label on the packaging to verify the lights were examined for safety. If you plan to use any lights, decorations, or extension cords outside, ensure they’re rated for outdoor use. Be mindful not to overload circuits, extension cords, and plug-ins, and always remember to switch everything off before heading out or going to sleep. 

Trees. Plan on decorating with a real pine this year? Water the tree daily and spray it with flame retardant to prevent fires. And if you prefer to go the more fake route (like me!), look for the “flame resistant” label before lugging your artificial tree home. For either tree variety, try buying shatterproof ornaments this year. That way, if you get a little clumsy, you won’t be sweeping up dangerous shards of glass. Lowe’s sells some nice-looking ones, and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan boasts the largest variety I’ve ever seen.

For more holiday safety ideas—especially if you have small children—check out this article.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All