watergarden

25_tabletop_garden_terrarium_ideas

As the weather changes and the flowers start to wane outside, it’s a great time to focus on bringing natural beauty indoors. I’ve gathered some beautiful and unique ideas for creating your own tabletop gardens. For those with less time to water, may I suggest trying one of the succulent or cacti gardens. Regardless of the plants you use, I love the wide variety of creative containers used for these mini-environments.

Tabletop Gardens and Terrariums Ideas

Let’s get started with some beautiful tutorials for planting a tabletop garden:

1. Easy Terrarium in Minutes! Read more

turn_an_old_table_into_desk_top

Have you seen my command center in the kitchen? It’s a beauty to look at, don’t you think? Especially that gorgeous wood desk top.

kitchen_desk_top

Well, I have a secret! It’s actually an old kitchen table top that was given to me for FREE! Yup, zero dollars, no moolah, nothing! And this is what the table top looks like:

underside_desk

I actually flipped it upside down to refinish it. But, I’m jumping ahead of myself. Here are the details: Read more

Curbside Vintage Step Stool Makeover

Curbside Vintage Step Stool Makeover

A few years ago, while driving back to work from my lunch break, I spied a very cool but sad looking vintage step stool sitting at the end of someone’s driveway next to their trash.  I passed by, but it didn’t take me long to circle around the block and come back to pick up the stool.  Unfortunately the step stool stayed untouched for at least 4 years.  This time it wasn’t in my garage, I left the sad step stool in the back room of my office. Good thing I’m the only one who goes back there!  I finally decided it was time to show this little vintage step stool some love. Check out this step stool makeover.

Curbside Step Stool MakeoverThe structure of the step stool was in fairly good condition, but COVERED in rust.  In some areas thicker than others.  I thought about using the old school method and hand sanding the stool like Jeff talked about a few weeks ago (Painting Metal Patio Chairs ) but decided if I tried this avenue I would be sanding for a few months.  I also considered using a sand blaster to remove the rust.  And while it is a fast effective method, it is not practical for everyone.  After much thought I finally decided on a 3M sanding disk that attaches to any drill. Let’s get to it shall we? Read more

10 Non-Toxic Dust Mite Remedies | Pretty Handy Girl

save_money_reduce_fall_allergens

If you hang around me in the Autumn months you hear a lot of that. My seasonal allergies seem to peak in the Fall. Most people think springtime is the peak for allergens. But, nearly 3/4 of springtime allergy sufferers also suffer from ragweed pollen allergies which peak August – October.  In addition to pollen, mold and dust mites are also contenders for the worst irritants as the weather turns cooler. Therefore, if you think your school age child has a never-ending cold after being back in the classroom, you might want to investigate possible allergies. Let’s talk about how to Save Money while Reducing Fall Allergens.

In the meantime, there are some very simple cost-saving things you can do to help remove allergens and lessen symptoms this Fall.

  • Dust more often with a damp washcloth to collect (not spread around) dirt and dust. Save money by using rags or washcloths that can be washed and re-used.
  • Use a Hepa filter vacuum to clean floors and carpets. Buy your vacuum bags in bulk and price shop on Amazon.com to save money.
  • Keep doors and windows closed. And adjust your thermostat one or two degrees cooler to save on heating costs.
  • Make your own natural cleaners using products already found in your home:
    • Baking soda and natural dish soap is a great tub, tile and toilet cleaner.
    • Two parts water to one part white distilled vinegar is an excellent window and glass cleaner.
  • Change your air filters at least once every three months and use a 1000 MPR or higher filter.

ultra_allergen_filtrete_filter

When it comes to filters, do not cheap out on your home’s air filters.

The Filtrete® Micro Allergen Reduction Filter attracts and captures microscopic particles like smoke and smog and large allergens like mold spores and pollen from the air passing through the filter. Outperforms fiberglass, washable and non-electrostatic pleated 1″ filters.

  • Outperforms fiberglass, washable and non-electrostatic pleated 1″ filters
  • Carries a 1000/1085 Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR)
  • Attracts and captures microscopic particles like smoke, smog and large allergens like mold spores and pollen from the air passing through the filter
  • Lasts up to 3 months
  • Where to buy: Lowe’s, Target, Walmart or your local hardware store. Find a location near you by visiting: FindMyFiltreteFilter.com

 

PHGFancySign

filtrete_brand_ambassadorDisclosure: This is a sponsored post for Filtrete. I have the honor of being an ambassador for them and will be sharing more information from 3M Filtrete in future posts. I was given key messages to share, but all the words and thoughts are my own.  I have been compensated for my time and for this post. I continue to work with certain companies like Filtrete that I believe in, because of their quality and because I feel they have helpful messages for my readers. I will always disclose to you if you are reading a sponsored post.

 

how_to_securly_hang_a_keybox

One of the souvenirs I brought back from our London trip was this adorable little carved bird key box.

key_box_open

The colors, the wood and the artistic way it was carved spoke to me and told me that I had to have it in my kitchen! Despite the lack of space in our suitcases, I was able to cram socks and underwear inside to make room for it.

bird_key_box

When we got home I found the perfect spot to hang my little key box. Although the box had hangers attached, I knew the daily pulling and key snatching would eventually prove too much for the dinky hooks. So, I simply removed the hangers with a screwdriver.

dinky_hangers

Materials to hang a keybox: Read more