When we recently learned that some receipts can release far more BPA than many plastic bottles, we wanted to understand what that means for everyday life. While this topic isn’t strictly DIY, it matters for a safe, healthy home—especially around Earth Day. We’re also into simplifying life (it was even my 2010 resolution), and the … Read more

***This giveaway is now closed – see who won below! *** Clearly I’m not the only one who loves a good writing utensil (and a Target card) — this giveaway reached our 10,000 entry cap within 24 hours. Nice work, team! That means we get to crown a winner early. The lucky writer is… Heather … Read more

Before-and-after transformations never fail to delight, and when it comes to restoring century-old homes, the results are especially rewarding. Mandy and her husband Joe took on such a project in Charlottesville, VA, rescuing a 1901 house they affectionately named “Blanche.” The house had great bones but suffered years of neglect—what they uncovered behind the walls … Read more

Everyone loves an imaginative, awe-inspiring kid’s room. That’s why we were so excited to see this bright makeover from Amandelin. Here’s her note: My son’s room desperately needed a refresh. Beyond the aesthetic issues—the knotty wood paneling and the bargain-bin particle board furniture my mother kept “gifting” us—the room is 23 feet long and only … Read more

Yes, we’re those people. I’ll admit I get annoyed when stores skip over holidays—like when Target displays Christmas items before Thanksgiving. Not ready yet. Let me get through Turkey Day before you shove Santas and snowmen in my face. But this year we did the unthinkable. We set up our Christmas tree before Thanksgiving. I’m … Read more

*** This giveaway is no longer accepting entries.*** If you missed out on that special piece for Valentine’s Day, here’s another opportunity to treat yourself with personalized jewelry from Lisa Leonard Designs. The collection includes more than just necklaces and bracelets — you’ll find home-inspired pieces featuring chandeliers, paper lanterns, picture frames and house keys … Read more

With the addition of a light fixture and a shoe storage solution this week (and the decision to forego a window treatment for now and frost the window when we convert the carport into a garage), we only had one item left on our long to-do list: Frost the side door for privacy – done … Read more

When Beth from the South emailed us photos of her refreshed sliding doors—using a simple trick we often recommend—we were excited to share the results. She wrote: Hey there Youngsters! I wanted to show you how I copied your idea to dress up our sliding glass doors. Thanks for sharing this great concept (I love … Read more

For our first blogiversary we shared a few goals going into year two, and now we’re checking in to see how we did—and setting new goals as we head into year three. Look at those calves. Last year we decided to publish our goals because writing them in a notebook just didn’t feel as motivating … Read more

I’m on a greenery kick—both outdoors and indoors—so here’s the story of four inexpensive succulents I impulsively bought at Home Depot and then planted in an unconventional way. The two smaller succulents were $2.98 each, and the two medium ones were $3.98 apiece. I also rescued a red cactus that’s been with me since middle … Read more