This is the next update in the Millie's Remodel series. Recently I had to decide whether I needed to replace the HVAC unit for Millie. Although it was an expensive proposition, the decision on brand was an easy one for me. Millie's Remodel: HVAC Update + How to Extend the Life … [Read more...]
How to Protect Your House From Termites
How to Protect Your House From Termites or Why I'm Canceling My Termite Treatment You may have seen my update at the Millie's Remodel and how I found termite damage under the laundry room floor. I was just completing demolition and discovered the two exterior rim joists crumbled … [Read more...]
9 Ways to Make Your Home Warmer This Winter (without turning up the thermostat)
9 Ways to Make Your Home Feel Warmer this Winter Winter brings snow days and memories of snuggling up under the blankets with hot cocoa, but one thing that isn't fun about winter are the cool drafts, cold floors, and wasted energy trying to heat your home. Today I have 9 ways to … [Read more...]
How to Clean Your Windows like a Pro
How to Clean Your Windows like a Pro Hi, Pretty Handy Girl Readers!! What's one way to improve both the interior look and exterior curb appeal of your home? Clean your windows! Not only do sparkling clean windows look amazing from the outside, but they also let more light in … [Read more...]
Fixing Sagging Furniture Seat Cushions
Fixing Sagging Furniture Seat Cushions A few years ago I gave my stepmom’s screen porch a much needed makeover. At the time we noticed the seat cushions were starting to sag, but decided they still functioned. This year, my stepmom told me they had to be fixed. Boy was she … [Read more...]
How to Fix Cracks in Door Panels without Taking the Door Apart
How to Fix Cracks in Door Panels without Taking the Door Apart Wooden doors will develop cracks over time, especially if the panels aren't free to expand and contract. Most of the time, years of paint or caulking the seams around the panels will cause the wood to stick and not … [Read more...]
How to Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED Lights
Do you have those old discolored recessed can lights in your home that use big hot flood bulbs? If so, it's time for an upgrade! How to Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED Lights Today I want to show you how to update ugly recessed can lights with energy … [Read more...]
Exterior Paint Color Scheme at Saving Etta
Exterior Paint Color Scheme at Saving Etta Things are moving along on the house. I know I owe you another Saving Etta chapter. Please know it's on my to do list. The past two weeks have been absolutely insane. My electrician, plumber, and HVAC contractors have been putting in … [Read more...]
How to Easily Fix a Leaky Hose
How to Easily Fix a Leaky Hose A garden hose is a valuable tool around my yard in the summertime. It's vital to keep my yard looking beautiful, keeping plants watered, and occasionally for a fun water fight with my kids. But what happens when that very useful hose springs a … [Read more...]
How to Hire Great Contractors and the Questions You Need to Ask
How to Hire Great Contractors and Questions You Need to Ask Hiring a great contractor can be a tough task. The actual experience can be so paralyzing that some people ultimately give up on their dreams of a renovated space. I have a good friend who felt completely overwhelmed by … [Read more...]
9 Energy Friendly Ways to Help Your Home Feel Warmer this Winter
We are excited to share these Energy Friendly Ways to Help Your Home Feel Warmer this Winter today. Winter brings many fun things with it each year, but one thing that isn't fun are the cool drafts, cold floors, and wasted energy while trying to stay warm. Recently I created a … [Read more...]
How to Repair a Dishwasher
How to Repair a Dishwasher: Control Panel The holidays are here and your kitchen will surely be getting a work out! Now is NOT the time for your dishwasher to break. Recently we found ourselves with a non-functional dishwasher. The control panel buttons stopped working and … [Read more...]
Install Cabinet Handles the Easy Way
After installing my fair share of cabinet knobs and handles over the years, I've made my own templates out of cardboard or scrap wood. But, after trying this new gadget, I can honestly say this is how you too can Install Cabinet Handles the Easy Way. I was given the Kreg … [Read more...]
Two Ways to Fix a Screw that’s Too Long
Have you ever put new knobs on a cabinet only to find out that the screw is too long. It's a pain for sure. That little project that you thought would take a few minutes is now going to require a trip to the hardware store — or will it. Not today! I have a tutorial to show you … [Read more...]
How to Make a Tank Style Water Heater More Energy Efficient
At the beginning of 2016 government standards dictated that new tank style water heaters must be more energy efficient. In response, manufacturers added internal insulation to new heaters. Unfortunately for those of us with tiny crawlspace water heaters, it meant we had to give … [Read more...]
How Energy Efficient is Your Water Heater?
Let's talk more about energy efficiency today. Did you know that your water heater can be one of the biggest energy hogs? It's true! That conventional storage tank water heater works all day to keep your water hot. If the thermostat senses the temperature dip below the set … [Read more...]