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Dear Network Landscape Show: Help My Yard!

Every time I turn on the television to one of those landscape programs on HGTV or the DIY Network, I invariably do so when the host of the moment is directing traffic on a yard makeover show. I sit and watch, astounded at the transformation unfolding on my television screen, and then make plans to stalk the next likely-looking landscape show host I see next time I’m at the friendly neighborhood home improvement store and hint loudly, “Oh, woe is me! My yard is in such a horrible state! I wish there was an extremely capable team of landscape professionals nearby who could help!”

I’ve suggested to my husband that our sad backyard is an excellent candidate, and that we, the enthusiastic but pitifully lost homeowners, have both the energy (ok, not so much that, but we are enthusiastic) and really cute kids who would look great on screen.

So far, he’s pretty sure I would have better luck waiting for fairies to show up and transform our garden to a little cottage paradise.

Plenty of resources tell you how to landscape right. This one will tell you what mistakes to avoid, unless you want to end up with a backyard that’s a perfect “before” shot on most landscape shows.

Understand Gravity

It’s not really necessary to have a complete grasp of Newtonian physics. I’m talking about an understanding of slopes, and that things will roll down a hill unless something is set in place to prevent it from happening. Ergo, if, let’s say, you have a yard with a pronounced slope leading from your house down about ten feet, do not expect mulch to remain in nice, neat little mounds around your plants. The mulch obeys gravity, it turns out, and it will move downhill, like a glacier, only much faster.

It’s also important to remember that water flows downhill. Those roses I planted immediately behind the house will become bone dry in a matter of seconds after I water them, given that they are planted in sand and that the mulch around the roses disappears days after I place it. Any day now, I expect to find the back of my house sticking out over said slope, water pipes dangling precipitously — which brings me to my next point.

Sand Is For Deserts, Not Gardens

Unfortunately, the majority of homes in my neck of the woods (or scrub, to be accurate) have the same problem. Everything is built on sand. This also means that everything is landscaped in sand. Sand, it turns out, is not friendly to most plants. Plants sentenced to life in my neighborhood are also sentenced to a slow, hot death under a blazing sky — unless, of course, you spend lots of money on bags of soil and many hours spreading that same soil everywhere in your yard. The problem is that within seconds, every plant in the neighborhood has heard about this thing called “soil” and vomits copious amounts of every seed in this hemisphere to land in the beautiful, wonderful soil, trying to take advantage of opportunity when it presents itself.

Soil, unlike sand, is good for plants. The weeds thrive, at least. If you like the look of weeds, by all means, ignore them until they’re roughly the size of your toddler before you declare war on the local weed population.

Grass is Always Greener — on Television

It turns out that the lovely grass that grows in profusion on most golf courses and lovely community areas does so only because it is watered on a regular basis. We have learned the hard way that if we depend on Mother Nature to provide all of the liquid sustenance our yard needs and we do not supplement it, we will not have a lawn. Not only that, but the slope will laugh at us as it speeds along its way, devouring what’s left of the yard.

Therefore, it is of great importance that you know what the needs are for your particular lawn before you commit to the expense and effort of installing it. I’m sure if any understanding Lawn Care Professional should take pity on our struggling turf, we’ll find out exactly what sort of lawn works best for our area and our needs.

Should we not hear from any home improvement show at any point in the near future, we’ll try to soldier on as best as we can. At least we’ve learned a few important lessons along the way. Until then, I’m going to consult every landscaping and home improvement show I possibly can. At some point, they’re bound to head our way. Meanwhile, I’ve got to practice my delivery.

Update Your Bathroom Without Remodeling: 10 DIY Ideas

Change the entire color scheme of your bathroom to update it. There is a reason the main focus in DIY weekend TV shows is painting. Paint can transform and update a room, opt for a warm color in your updated bathroom.

Trim

Pick a new trim color for you bathroom update as well. Select a bold color for the bathroom window or to frame the bathtub and shower.

Shower Curtain

Replace your shower curtain and liner with new ones. Pick a clear liner and a colored shower curtain or vice versa.

Rugs and Floor Mats

Replace all of the rugs in your bathroom with rugs in a new color. For added interest, opt for a straw or bamboo mat where you previously had a rug.

Wall Art

Update the wall art currently in your bathroom with something new. For a dramatic effect, hang black and white drawings or photos in picture frames painted the exact color of the bathroom walls.

Mirror, Mirror

One easy and inexpensive way to update a bathroom is to replace the existing mirror with a new one. Adding more mirrors will also add new visual interest to the space.

Texturize

Add more textured accessories to the bathroom. A natural stone bath mat, faux greenery or woven towels all add texture to the updated bathroom.

Update Faucets

If you like your sink and your vanity, replace the faucet with a new one. Even the sink drain can be replaced with a more modern piece of hardware.

Replace Shower Head

Update your bathroom with a new shower head. Opt for a water-saving green shower head, or choose a luxury shower head for your new bathroom.

Swap a Cabinet Vanity for a Pedestal Sink

Changing out an old pedestal sink for a new cabinet vanity with storage can be done in a weekend or less. Some vanities comes standard with pre-cut holes for the pipes. Measure the height of the current sink before buying a new one.

Also measure the length of the area across the back wall where it will go, as well as how far it will stick out from the wall. Measure the distance from the wall to the next nearest object, such as a toilet. You want to ensure the cabinet door will have enough room to open and close.

Light Up Your Life

Upgrade and update existing bathroom lights with something new. Add extra lighting where you need it, around a mirror, or in a bathroom storage cabinet.

Next Post: Top 10 Fence Contractor in Chicago Land Area

Home Remodeling and Repair

Home remodeling and repair saves you a lot of money, and it lets you use your creativity at the same time. Since there are more floors than anything else in your house except the walls, they offer you an opportunity to give your home a completely new look. Many types of flooring on the market today make terrific do it yourself projects. Instructions on how to install each type of material are readily available, and the floor products merchant has helpful advice for you.

Before you begin, first decide where you want to start your project. If you have not installed flooring before, you may want to start in one of your smaller rooms. Then you need to choose the type of flooring that you want to use. The most popular choices that you have to select from for a successful do it yourself home remodeling and repair project include laminate, cork, bamboo and hardwood. Or you could just make it easy on yourself and choose area rugs.

The many beautiful shades and designs of laminate that are available may explain its enormous popularity with today’s home owners. Home remodeling and repair lets you really improve the appearance of your home for a fraction of the cost of a professional job. For the look of hardwood but without the expense, laminate floors provide a durable finish that is scratch resistant. You install it on top of your existing floor covering unless you have carpet, of course, which would have to be removed before you put down laminate flooring. The planks snap together and float above the floor, so you do not have to nail or glue anything down. Laminate is particularly a good choice for kitchens or bathrooms because of its moisture resistance, but it can work nicely throughout the house.

For a game room or rumpus room where there may be a lot of noise, a cork floor offers some benefits that other types of flooring cannot match. It acts as a sound absorber and keeps things relatively quiet. The soft texture of the cork does accept heel imprints, but it returns to its normal shape as soon as you move your foot. For this type of floor, you glue the tiles to the existing floor. It may be a good idea to let the cork breathe for a while before you install it to allow for shrinkage or expansion in your environment.

Bamboo floors offer a home remodeling and repair method to beautify your floors and also stay in tune with the trend today toward using products that have eco-friendly qualities. Bamboo grows very quickly, maturing to a point where it can be used for flooring materials in five years or less. As it grows, its green leaves provide one of the most effective ways to purify the air. So you have a healthful and beautiful product that is a sustainable resource, and it does not require cutting trees. The surface may not be as resistant to indentations as some other types of floor covering that you could choose.

If you want to go for the real thing when you do your home remodeling and you need granite countertops for your kitchen project , then hardwood floors provide a glowing beauty that makes your home a regal masterpiece. Hardwood flooring made of solid wood is the most expensive way to go. But you can find acceptable alternatives in engineered wood that looks just as good. Installation doesn’t have to be the big project that it has been in the past, because you can get it in planks that lock in place. Take advantage of the home remodeling and repair flooring products on the market today to beautify your home.

Tips for DIY Backyard Remodeling

My family and I spend a great deal of time outdoors, and our backyard is like our oasis. Each year we have been able to add a little more to make it more enjoyable for the family. Like many middle class, working households, we do not have a lot of extra income so we have done the work ourselves. Over time we have added a nice two level deck, swimming pool, and our latest addition includes a patio area with a swing, chairs and hammock around a fire pit. Had we hired all of this done, it would easily be over $30,000. However, my husband does construction work on the side and we were lucky enough to be able to do everything ourselves and were given the pool for free. Our backyard area has become a nice place for the family to enjoy and a great place for summer cook- outs and get-togethers. We have learned a lot from each project.

Carefully Plan before you Start
Whenever starting a project of any kind, I like to do a simple sketch first. There is just something about having a visual that allows you to work out any unforeseen issues. It allows you to space everything out evenly and make concessions for any landscaping, plant life or outside structures. It is also important to take pets into consideration, you want to make sure that they are not going to destroy any of your new additions. We had thought about putting sand down around the fire pit to make a beachy area instead of using a brick patio, but thought better of it when we realized the cat may see it as a giant litter box. It is also important to build with the future in mind. We plan to add a hot tub and a fountain with a pond later on, so we made sure to leave enough space.

Keep it Simple
If your outdoor project is too elaborate, you may end up not being able to finish it. Make sure that you have the ability to do whatever it is on your own or have the appropriate help lined up. The last thing you want is a half-finished project that looks worse than what you started with. Start out small and you can always add on later. We have added on slowly as money and time allowed. If there are certain tools that would simplify the job, most hardware stores allow you to rent tools for a daily charge. When putting in our pool, we borrowed a tamper from my father-in-law to help flatten out the ground and make it level underneath. This made the job go so much smoother. Also make sure that you plan out enough time to finish the project; perhaps take an extra day off of work or plan on a long holiday weekend.

Allot Extra Money
The whole idea of doing it yourself is to save money; you do not want to have to pay someone extra to fix your mistakes. Make sure to plan appropriately for the job from the beginning. Go to the hardware store and price out all of the items you are going to need before you start. Make sure you allot extra money in your budget for hidden costs. There always ends up being something extra you have to get that you were not planning on. I do not think I have ever finished a home remodeling project under budget.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help
The most important advice I can give is to use whatever help you can get. When remodeling our backyard, we used the resources at hand. My husband is very knowledgeable, but if there were things he did not know, he asked his dad or grandpa. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other people who have done similar projects. They may be able to give you some pointers that will save you time and money. When gathering supplies, talk to the hardware store workers and ask for recommendations. Many of them have experience with home remodeling and are very educated. The internet can also be a wealth of information. Research what others have said about similar projects. You can always learn from other people’s mistakes. We have frequently figured out how to do things by watching a YouTube video or reading an online article. Whenever you do something for the first time, you learn a lot, and it doesn’t hurt to learn from what has and hasn’t worked for others.

If you are looking for a kitchen remodeler in Phoenix, AZ – Please call AZ granite & Remodeling Today at (602) 759-9000.

Clean Your House Quickly When Company is on the Way!

No matter what titles you hold- housewife, mother, part/full-time employee, busy Content Producer- you don’t always have time to clean your house from top to bottom. And, if you’re like me, the messier my house is, the more likely it is that visitors call and say they’re coming over. Whenever you find yourself in this predicament, then you need to learn how to clean your house quickly when company is on the way!

1. Pick It Up and Stash It
Grab a laundry basket and make a quick dash through the main rooms in your home visitors will see. Skip the bedrooms, laundry room, dining room and any other areas you don’t entertain guests in. (On the way by, close the doors to all unused rooms.) Pick up any out-of-place items you find and place them in the laundry basket. Then, stash the laundry basket in a closet or in a bedroom.

2. Run a Sweeper Across the Floors
To clean your house quickly when company’s on the way, you’ll need to grab your vacuum cleaner. Dirt, dust, pet hair, even lint usually shows up on carpets and rugs and that can make your home looking dirty and unkept. If your vacuum cleaner has a bare floor setting, that’s even better yet. Because, you can run it over the carpet, as well as many bare floor areas, without needing to get a broom and dustpan out.

If your vacuum sweeper’s heavy and clunky, or you don’t even have time to get it out and plug it in, then hopefully you have an alternative. Either you have a Swiffer CarpetFlick, a battery-operated broom stick, or a manual, non-electric carpet cleaner (like our great-grandmothers used to use!). All three of these cleaning machines are fast and easy to use. They can’t replace the effectivness of a vacuum cleaner, but they will pick up lint, pet hair and other noticeable dirt from the floor.

Quickly fluff and straighten any throw pillows you may have on your furniture, and stack up magazines in piles. Then, spray three or four paper towels with Windex and head off to the main bathroom area.

3. Spend Sixty Seconds in the Bathroom
The next step in how to clean your house quickly when company’s on the way is to take a quick look around the main bathroom. If the counters are cluttered with personal care products, toss them in a drawer. Then, use the paper towels to wipe off soiled mirrors, countertops, et cetera. To make your cleaning go even faster, follow this rule of thumb: “If you don’t see dirt or grime, then don’t wipe it off!”

Spray the toilet bowl with an air freshener and put a few mists into the air. Grab the trash can and dump it, and you’re finally done with the bathroom.

Note: I never burn candles in my bathroom because of pets and kids. But, if you do, you can skip the air freshener and light an attractive-smelling candle instead. Candles are really more effective at removing unwanted odors from your home anyhow.

It’s a good idea to light several candles throughout your home to make it more clean-smelling and appealing to your company’s noses.

4. Straighten Up the Kitchen
Last, but certainly not least, straighten up the kitchen by removing items that are cluttering up the countertops. Dirty dishes can be hidden inside your dishwasher. If you’re not blessed with a dishwasher, then you can slide them into your oven. Or, place them in a sudsy sink full of dishwater.

Then, grab the dish cloth and quickly wipe off the countertops, stove and table.

In just a few minutes, your house has been quickly cleaned and you’re ready for the company that’s on their way to arrive!

Ideas for Making Homemade Cleaning Products

Are you searching for homemade cleaning recipes you can use? Creating natural home cleaning solutions for cleaning is a great way to save money as well as reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals. Here are some tips for cleaning your home with homemade cleaning products.

Do you have furniture to polish? A natural solution to polishing your furniture is to use a ½ cup of lemon juice and one tea spoon of olive oil or mineral oil. The smell of lemons will fill your room with a beautiful fragrance and its also are a great disinfectant.

Do you have rust stains in your sink for bathroom? A great way to get rid of those unsightly stains is to sprinkle a little salt on the stain then pour lemon over the salt. Let the solution soak into the stain for a few hours then scrub clean. Grout can also be cleaned by letting lemon juice sit on the area for 30 minutes.

Mix lemon juice and water with baking soda and you’ve got your own all purpose cleaner that’s great for cleaning stubborn dirt on just about any surface including dishes, the oven, bathroom tub and tile. For stubborn stains in dishes and in the oven, let the mixture of water and baking soda stay on the surface for at least 15 minutes for dishes, and over night for the oven. Your surfaces are sure to wipe clean with very little scrubbing. Baking soda, not only is it a great toothpaste alone; mixed with a little hydrogen peroxide and its not only a great toothpaste, its also a great way to whiten your teeth.

Looking for a way to clean your window? Mixing a little white vinegar with warm water and placing the solution in a spray bottle is a great way to get the streak free window shine every time. Vinegar is also great for polishing and soaking any fixtures made of chrome.

Have problems with a slow drain? Mix white vinegar and baking soda will also keep your pipes clean because it dissolves grease in nearly an instant. This is a great solution to the kitchen and the bathroom.

Want to have natural soft clothes? Use one cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle of your washer instead of using a commercial fabric softener. It’s a great solution for those of us with sensitive skin and for newborn babies.

Cleaning the toilet bowl is a task no one likes, but there’s a great solutions that better than getting down and dirty with the bowl. Pour some bleach or denture cleaner in the bowl and leave it overnight. You’ll wake up to a bright and clean bowl every time. Getting rid of mold and mildew in the bathroom is simple by mixing a little water with bleach. Although bleach has a strong smell, it is the only cleaning solution that kills all germs, bacteria and viruses on any surface. It’s another great all purpose cleaner that can be used to mop, and clean just about any surface.

Do you want your carpet to have a lasting smell? Place a few drops of your favorite scented oil in the vacuum cleaner bag, or make your own carpet cleaning solution by using your favorite scented oil and mixing it with baking soda.

Want to make your own fragrance? Boiling some citrus fruit such as lemon peel, oranges or any other kind of fragrant fruit is a great way to immerse your household in a natural, fresh scent. After letting the fruit boil for a while, use some cotton balls to soak the solution in and place them around your home so that the smell is in every room.

If you like the smell of pine, take some pine cones and pine needles from your back yard and boil them as well. The natural smell is a great way to enjoy the outdoors inside of your home.

Saving money by Going Green and making cleaning products at home is a great way to maximize your dollar as well as doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint in this world.