Wednesday 31 August 2011

Scotts Nature Scapes Mulch for Your Garden

Scotts Nature Scapes Mulch for Your Garden
Adding a layer of mulch to your planting beds and garden is a great way to control weeds and hold moisture in the soil. Scotts Nature Scapes mulch does both and is guaranteed to keep its color for a year. Watch this video to find out more.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/jFYTCzS6QFg/

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Tried-and-True Hurricane Survival Tips - Good To Know

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Yeah, there's a hurricane hurtling towards a big swathe of the country. And if you've evacuated to a safer place or are waiting it out, it's time to take a few minutes to make sure you are super, incredibly, 100% prepared. Here's a few of the best tried-and-true tips from DIYLife readers for getting through a hurricane.

hurricanepanic switch 13, flickr


Admittedly, writing a preparedness guide is probably the one thing that is keeping me from having a minor fit about this hurricane business. That, and vodka (which is number #3 on the following list).

That said, I'm hoping that you won't really need this list. I hope it goes into the "Hey, good to know!" category of your brain, along with useless facts about the favorite sandwich of Elvis and the lyrics to "Don't Stop Believing."

- Make sure the windows are taped. Duct or masking tape can be used for this. Make an "X" across each pane of glass, then cross it over again with tape for good measure. And I've recently discovered that Con-Tact paper works brilliantly well--just cut a length long enough to fit on the pane, remove the backing, press to the glass.

- Whatever you do, DON'T open a window. There's an old wives' tale going around that if you crack a window, it'll correct a pressure imbalance that can crack windows. And you know what else is an old wives' tale? That goats eat tin cans, which makes them nature's recycling plants. And it's just as incorrect. An open window will just introduce your interior to 80+ mph winds, which is what leads to not only windows breaking, but the roof of your home getting blown apart.

- Turn a C into a D...battery, that is. Most radios take D batteries, which are in short supply. If you have any C's on hand, try this: Place the C into the battery area, then slide in a few quarters to fill out the empty space between the spring and battery. Why does it work? A C battery is the same voltage as a D, and the quarters are conductive.

- Bring out the vodka. This can help steady nerves...but also it can do things like clean out cuts and scrapes, sterilize things, etc. But mainly, I hope you will be using it in a cocktail.

- Place a few bottles of water in the freezer. Now. If the power goes off, the bottles can be used to keep food fresh. As the ice melts, you'll have nice cold water.

- Store candles in the freezer, too. This will make them last 1-2 hours longer.

- Water...everywhere. Fill up bathtubs, storage containers, buckets. Why? If the water gets shut off, there's the delicate matter of bathroom issues. Namely, flushing the toilet. A small bucket of water will take away the waste.

- Things getting scary? Get in the closet. You want to be as far away from windows as possible, in a small room with load-bearing walls. For most of us, it's the closet.

- Make an olive oil lamp. Just fill a clean jar or bottle with olive oil, then wrap a length of wire around a scrap of 100% cotton (old, clean sock will work as material). Place the makeshift wick inside the jar/bottle, then light. For a more polished tutorial, visit Instructables.

- Stay calm. Yeah, easier said than done. But when faced with a tough time, panicking will accomplish nothing. If you find yourself panicking, take 10 deep breaths. And have something on hand that will distract you. For me, that's a small selection of Nancy and Sluggo comics.

- Know these numbers. Here's a list of phone numbers for the Office of Emergency Management in the states that will likely be affected by the hurricane this weekend:

Connecticut: 800-397-8876
Delaware: 877-SAY-DEMA
Maryland: 877-636-2872
Massachusetts: 508-820-2000
New Jersey: 609-963-6964
New York: 518-242-5000 or 212-867-7060
North Carolina: 919-733-3867
Pennsylvania: 717-651-2001
Virginia: 802-244-8721

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/27/tried-and-true-hurricane-survival-tips-good-to-know/

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Brick Paver Repair Tips

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The trick when repairing brick pavers is to get the replacement brick paver level and to match colors. Brick pavers will weather outside over the years. If your replacement paver is brand new, it might not match.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/894_Brick_Paver_Repair_Tips.shtml

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4 Different Types of Attic Fans

4 Different Types of Attic Fans

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/mitsubishi-4-different-types-of-attic-fans

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Home Security Television Simulator Offers Alternative to Lights on Timers

Lights with timers are a pretty home security good idea, because they can fool burglars into thinking someone is home. Most burglars don't want to come face to face with homeowners, so they go for empty houses. If you want...

Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/home_security_t.php

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First Look: Urban Eco

Today we take a look at a new web series that's all about living simply (with style). It's definitely something we can get behind...especially this episode, which shows the many ways you can re-use corks.



Urban Eco is a new series hosted by DIY darling Amy Devers. (You might know her as the unusually stylish carpenter on Trading Spaces.) It profiles the DIY life from a more stylish perspective, covering everything from sustainable city living to creative upcycling ideas. This episode features the latter, with an easy project featuring corks. And we mean easy: The whole project takes less than 10 minutes to do and costs about $2 to create.

What else is noteworthy about Urban Eco is that the show is part of Thrive, a new online network from Whole Foods Market. The web network (would that be 'webwork?') will focus on programming that connects global health to personal well-being. Think shows about sustainable gardening, healthy recipes and more. We're excited to see...will you tune in?



 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/17/first-look-urban-eco/

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DIY Paint Chip Matchbook Notepads

Photo: Capital B [http://ssbuffat.blogspot.com/2011/08/paint-chip-matchbooks.html]

We've established an infatuation with paint chips on Curbly, it just can't be avoided!� Here's another great idea for paint chips: little matchbook-style notepads!�� … Continue reading on Curbly.com

Source: http://www.curbly.com/craftmel/posts/11102-diy-paint-chip-matchbook-notepads

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Tuesday 30 August 2011

Site Excavation Suggestions

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Excavating a new home lot must be carefully planned. Foundation holes have to be the proper depth and not too big. Your site excavation plans needs to consider sidewalks, driveways and the trees you want to save.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/891_Site_Excavation_Suggestions.shtml

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Make Your Small Bathroom Bigger

If you took the time to ask homeowners about the size of their bathrooms, most of them would say they were too small. However, since it's time consuming, expensive and a major hassle to actually enlarge a home's bathroom most people decide to just live with their small bathrooms.

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/make-small-bathroom-bigger

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Wood Rot Prevention and Repair

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What is wood rot and how can you repair rotten wood? The type of lumber being used today can accelerate wood rotting. There are some tips to help prevent wood rot in your home.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/895_Wood_Rot_Prevention_and_Repair.shtml

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27 Inspirational Homework Areas and Study Stations

Steal ideas from these amazing home office spaces and watch the good grades roll in this semester

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisOldHouseLatest/~3/lZYxJz-LeRg/0,,20518320,00.html

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Using Wire Shelving as a Drying Rack in the Shop

Using Wire Shelving as a Drying Rack in the Shop
A scrap piece of plastic coated, wire shelving makes a great drying rack in your shop. Simply cut the shelving to length, suspend it over a utility sink, and use it to dry paint rollers and sponges. Watch this video to find out more.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/TMkjKr64DFk/

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Kids Party Ideas - A Cheery Carnival Party

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It can be such a challenge to come up with memorable kids party ideas, so I was thrilled to see this charming carnival theme. Working equally well for boys or girls, this idea is even easier to DIY.

kids-party-ideasLauren Nicole Studios


This charming party came my way from Jennifer Shields, the founder and president of Posh Tot Events, a seriously adorable event planning company based in Atlanta. Posh Tot Events designed and executed the cheery party to benefit Bert's Big Adventure, a non-profit organization that graciously provides a five-day trip to Walt Disney World for children with a chronic or terminal illness and their families.

Though the carnival party looks luxe, it's actually filled with touches that are a breeze to DIY. I just love how creative the admission tickets were used in this party: Unwound as a runner, coiled to act as coasters and cinched around napkins. For a list of other resources, visit the Bert's Big Adventure page at Pizzazzerie.

kids-party-ideasLauren Nicole Studios


Another way to get the carnival look is to use red-and-white striped paper to back printed labels for drinks and menus. In the top photo, it's also used for a runner. Using the same print throughout the party is what helps give that cohesive, well-designed look.

Looking for a few more kids' party ideas? Check out...
Great Birthday Party Ideas for Kids
Fun birthday party ideas: Gymnastics
Kids Birthday Party Ideas Video: Entertaining

And to see how a pro plans a kids' party, watch this...


 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/28/kids-party-ideas-carnival-party/

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Composting

Before you start composting, you should determine what supplies you'll need, what space you'll use and if you want to go the big-bucket-of-worms route, or not.  The project below will help you decide on the methodology that will work best for you.  Whether you've been composting for years or are ...
By: annahowardshaw

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Composting-1/

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How Electric Bell Work

How Electric Bell Work leeideas.blogspot.com
By: Anzar Lee

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-Electric-Bell-Work/

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Monday 29 August 2011

$1 Op-Amp ECG

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Sometimes you just want to do a little heart monitoring without going into debt for the rest of your life (yes, that's a not-so-subtle jab at our wonderful healthcare system). When you can't afford the real thing, this $1 home made electrocardiogram will allow you to monitor your heart as you go into cardiac arrest while opening bills from your previous hospital adventures. This is much simpler than our previously covered homemade ecg, and probably about as accurate (read: not very). [via]

Notice: This ECG cost less to make than an artery clogging burger from your local BK. Therefore, we do not recommend making medical decisions based off of the data received from it.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/6Vdb6runI4U/1-op-amp-ecg

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Glitter Bike

Bikes are awesome for all ages, but no matter how inherently cool they are, they can sometimes use a little more. A little more oomph, a little more pizzazz. In short, some bikes would be better with a nice glittery sheen to sparkle in the sun. It's a quick and easy upgrade that ...
By: fungus amungus

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Glitter-Bike/

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4 Different Types of Attic Fans

4 Different Types of Attic Fans

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/mitsubishi-4-different-types-of-attic-fans

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Treble Clef Pendant

This was made with the aid of Mrballeng 's ible: http://www.instructables.com/id/Treble-Clef-Pendant/ This was my first time making metal jewelry and also my first experience in controlling a hammer, and sanding. All thanks to Mrballeng for the great and inspiring ible! The image note...
By: shuashy

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Trebble-Clef-Pendant/

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Steampunk, "A moment in time" Bead


By: glasspyder

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Steampunk-A-moment-in-time-Bead/

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Fruit Bowls

First instructable, I'm welcome to suggestions and criticisms.  Easy to make fruit bowl, sure to dazzle any crowd. Cut and clean your fruit Cut your cantaloupe or other fruit in half. If you are using a full-sized Watermelon cut off about a third for your "bowl." Try to keep your cut neat o...
By: manderson6

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Fruit-Bowls/

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Bosch Hammer Drill Driver Video

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Tim Carter demonstrates the new Bosch Hammer Drill Driver. He shows how fast it can drill 3 inches into solid concrete.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/Bosch_Hammer_Drill_Driver_Video.shtml

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Is Treating the Ground for Termites All That Is Needed?

Is Treating the Ground for Termites All That Is Needed?
Dana asks, ?My termite treatment company found termites in the house but said they only needed to treat the ground, since the termites always return there. Is that true??

In most cases treating the ground is enough, but there are exceptions. Read on to find out more.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/DYVDVwBeDe0/

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Sunday 28 August 2011

LED Chinese lantern

This is a Chinese lantern basically made from a keychain red LED and a red inflatable ball.   There is something magical as the ball spins. This is my nine-year-old daughter's project--it was her idea, and she did all the work except that I suggested that the water bottle neck adapter as a mor...
By: arpruss

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Chinese-lantern/

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Solar Human Electric Powered Vehicle SHEPV

Ok, so building a solar powered electric bike? Here's my story: It all started when my wife and I moved back to Key West, Fl. once you leave you always want to come back! Since our jobs are less than 1.5 miles from home (not to mention parking complicated at best.) it seemed appropriate...
By: epierce

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Human-Electric-Powered-Vehicle-SHEPV/

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Make a Durable Adjustable Kitchen Apron

created at: 08/20/2011

Every time I see someone wearing an apron I always stop and think how skilled they look. Like wearing one automatically makes you that much better of a chef or baker. You know what they say, fake it 'til you make it. � … Continue reading on Curbly.com

Source: http://www.curbly.com/kellyb/posts/11065-make-a-durable-adjustable-kitchen-apron

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Inside Country Living's Plantation Home Makeover

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We're taking a room-by-room look at the unbelievable home transformation featured in the September issue of Country Living-out on newsstands now!

Today, it's all about the living room.

country-livingCountry Living

This traditional-style living room gets an updated look with just a few key accessories: An array of white platters hung on the wall along with eye-catching black-and-white photographs. The plates add an architectural element to the walls and the photos perfectly complement the overall classic look.

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/11/inside-country-livings-plantation-makeover/

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Portable Bench Grinder Using Old Furnace Motor

Have you ever had to work away from your shop, but still need a grinder.  I have, so here is the solution I came up with.  I had an old furnace motor and an arbor.  Very handy to have and simple to make. Materials List: 1 - Piece of 3/4" plywood, cut to your dimensions 1 - Arbor (available at...
By: DoDo729

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Portable-Bench-Grinder-Using-Old-Furnace-Motor/

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Water Drops Square Glass Vessel Sink Stands out

When you're shopping for vessel sinks, you'll probably be surprised with all the variety. There are so many cool designs that it can be hard to narrow it down and pick one for a permanent home in your bathroom. This...

Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/water_drops_squ.php

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Reuse Latex Glove Fingers for Gluing or Caulking

Reuse Latex Glove Fingers for Gluing or Caulking
After you?ve finished using latex gloves, cut off any of the fingers on the gloves that are clean, then use the glove fingers for spreading glue or smoothing caulking to keep your fingers clean. Watch this video to find out how.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/iCXILGqPhqs/

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