Toilet flush ratings are no laughing matter. They really are important when choosing the best toilet that is energy-efficient and flushes (your business) like nobody’s business! Here’s what to look for in Maximum Performance (MaP) toilet flush ratings. I’ll explain how a MaP rating is verified and how they put toilets to the test.
Home & Garden
RV Communities: These Neighborhoods Have RV Garage Home Plans For RVers Who Want A Nice Home Too
Want to see what it’s like living in a house with RV garage? Browse through the RV garage homes in these RV communities! RV retirement communities that have homes with RV garage plans are popular among those who want to incorporate their lifelong dreams of being a road warrior while still having a permanent home base.
Ring Video Doorbell Review: Our Ring WiFi Doorbell Turned Out To Be A Simple & Affordable Home Security System!
We received the most wonderful housewarming gift for our new home: the Ring Video Doorbell. See what I like best about the Ring WiFi Doorbell in my Ring Video Doorbell review…
Choosing A Farmhouse Sink: 5 Important Things To Think About Before You Buy An Apron Front Sink
Buying a new kitchen sink? If you have a little bit of flexibility in the dimensions, capacity, and cost, then you might want to consider a farmhouse sink (aka an apron front sink). But before you do, here are the 5 most important things to think about when choosing a farmhouse kitchen sink.
How To Keep Your Condensate Line Flowing Freely: Easy Steps To Clean & Clear A Clogged Condensate Drain Line
Save money by reading this before you call an HVAC professional — because keeping your condensate drain line clean and clog-free is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to maintain your HVAC system’s condensate line — whether you have a gravity flow line (like most people do – including myself) or an a/c condensate pump (like I recently installed).
Dog Parvo (aka Canine Parvovirus) – What You Need To Know About The Symptoms Of Parvo And The Treatment Of Parvo In Dogs
Thousands of dogs get the canine parvovirus each year. Of those, 15% will die. Without treatment, 100% will die. Here’s what you need to know about dog parvo disease including: the symptoms of parvo, how it’s spread, and the treatment for parvo. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from parvo, take your dog to the vet right away! Most deaths from the canine parvo virus occur within 48 to 72 hours.
Eze-Breeze Vinyl Screened Porch Windows: A Clear Alternative To Glass Porch Windows
When it comes to choosing screened in porch windows for screen porch enclosures, there are many options. My parents proved that Eze Breeze windows are a smart alternative to plastic sheeting for screened porches — theirs even survived a tornado! Here are some reasons to choose vinyl glazing over glass windows — plus photos.
What You Need To Know About Impact Resistant Windows Before Buying Hurricane Windows For Your House
Impact resistant windows are a coastal homeowner’s best friend — especially during hurricane season! If you’re thinking of retrofitting your home with hurricane windows, here’s what you need to know before you begin the process of replacing your regular windows with impact resistant glass.
Installing A Gas Range Where An Electric Range Once Stood Can Be Challenging! (Trust Me… I Did It)
Converting a 220V hardwired connection into a 110V standard plug when you install a gas stove is best left to a trained professional, but you can see here how it’s done first. Here’s my gas stove installation story — including 3 setbacks that I encountered while installing a gas range in my kitchen.
Eraser Daddy Review: Scrubbing Power Without Scratching (Like Scrub Daddy Sponges) + Soft Wiping Power (Like Magic Erasers)
My husband calls me the sponge expert because I’ve tried practically every sponge under the sun. I definitely have my favorites (Sponge Mommy sponges and Magic Erasers). When the Eraser Daddy sponge hit the market, I couldn’t wait to try it! Here’s my review of this 2-sided sponge — it’s a Scrub Daddy sponge on 1 side and a melamine sponge on the other.
How To Make Shark Fin Cupcakes For Shark Week Or A Shark-Themed Party
Shark fin cupcakes are an easy addition for a shark-themed party or to celebrate Shark Week. I recently made some for a party — so I thought I’d share a few tips I’ve learned and show you how to make shark fin cupcakes yourself.
Make Your Bed Quickly Like Hotels Do – Here’s How To Do Triple Sheeting And Eliminate The Need For A Duvet Cover!
Love sleeping with a down comforter, but hate washing and changing the duvet cover? (Me too.) I recently found a quick way to make your bed AND have fresh bedding as often as you like! Try these hotel bed making secrets for a faster, more luxurious way to make the bed without the need for a duvet cover. Turns out the best way to make a bed is to do triple sheeting! Here’s how…
Using A Sanding Sponge For DIY Home Projects – Here’s How & When To Use A Sandpaper Sponge
If you typically tackle DIY projects around the house such as painting and woodwork, I’ll show you why you should make a (really) small investment in a sanding sponge. It’s an invaluable little tool that lives up to its reputation as a “can’t do without” item that a DIY homeowner shouldn’t be without. See how to use a sandpaper sponge for sanding wood, paint, metal, and drywall.
How To Cover A Concrete Cinder Block Wall
Concrete cinder block walls are sturdy and easy to build, but can often be unattractive when compared with the rest of your home. By covering a cinder block wall with surface bonding cement, you can increase the water resistance of the wall as well as the durability while creating a uniform surface that will blend with most architectural styles.
Want To Be A Dog Sitter? Here’s How To Get Started Dog Sitting For Extra Money
Did you realize that you can make over $500 a month dog sitting? As a pet sitter in Seattle, I’ve learned a few things along the way to make dog sitting more profitable and fun. Here are my best tips on how to start offering dog sitting services on the side to make extra money.
Pet Insurance Plan vs. Pet Savings Account – Which Is Better For Your Dog’s Health And Your Pocketbook?
Is pet insurance a good idea or not? Well, maybe. But I can make a case for simply having a pet health savings account instead. Here’s what you need to know about pet health insurance, pet insurance companies, and tips before you buy dog health insurance.
House Siding 101: Why I Chose Fiber Cement Siding + Some Things You Probably Don’t Know About Cement Fiber Siding
As a siding contractor, I help homeowners choose the best siding for their homes on a daily basis. But I first became a fan of fiber cement siding as a homeowner myself researching house siding options. Here’s a list of the pros & cons of cement fiber siding, and some things you probably didn’t know about this type of siding. See why it’s so popular.
Garage Sale Cash, Change & Money Issues: How To Stay Organized & Deal With Loose Change
The day before your garage sale, you need to get some money from the bank or an ATM so you can make change with shoppers who visit your yard sale. How much change should you get? And how do you organize all your money and keep it safe during the garage sale? All of your garage sale cash questions answered here!
My Review Of 2 Scrub Daddy Sponge Holders: The Official Scrub Daddy Caddy AND The Scrub Daddy Sponge Caddy
Scrub Daddy makes 2 sponge holders that fit their smiley face sponges known as Scrub Daddy and Scrub Mommy. Both the Scrub Daddy Caddy and the Scrub Daddy Sponge Caddy will keep your Scrub Daddies and Mommies out of the way — but still close at hand in the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and shower. This type of sponge holder also helps the smiley face sponge air-dry faster. I keep one in my shower and one in my kitchen sink.
How To Choose The Right Deck Stains For Your Home And Stain Your Deck Yourself
Knowing which deck stain to choose is only half the battle. I recently refinished my 21 year old deck and I want to share the tips and tricks I’ve learned about finding the best deck stain and how to clean and stain a deck. It’s a great diy project that can be done in one weekend.
Smart Home DIY: How To Install A Keyless Door Lock Yourself + 5 Reasons Your Family Is Going To Love Smart Door Locks
I installed a Kevo smart door lock in my home, and I can tell you it’s been a real game changer for my family! Here are some of the features of smart door locks that could be useful for your family, how to install a smart door lock yourself, and the many ways to unlock a smart lock that you and your kids are going to love.
Scrub Daddy Uses: 50+ Creative Ways To Use A Scrub Daddy Sponge
The Scrub Daddy sponge, a popular kitchen scrubber, gets SOFT in hot water and HARD in cold water. Plus it doesn’t hold onto food & odors. Lots of fun uses here!
DIY Garage Door Repair vs. Professional Garage Door Repair: 6 Reasons Why You Probably Won’t Be Able To DIY It
Have a broken garage door? Should you try DIY garage door repair or call a professional? Here are the 10 most common reasons your garage door isn’t working, which ones you can tackle yourself, and when it’s time to call for professional garage door repair. Find out here if you have the right tools, the time, or the knowledge to take on this repair project yourself.
Need A New Water Heater? (Us, Too.) See The Hot Water Heater Rental Cost vs. The Cost Of Buying A New One
Did you know that you can rent a water heater, as opposed to paying full price for the installation of a brand new one? See if renting a water heater is better than buying one – based on the hot water heater rental cost compared to the cost of buying a new water heater. See the pros & cons of each, as well.
8 Super Creative DIY Exterior Home Renovation Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank
Think that exterior home renovations are expensive? They can be — if you’re not careful. But I’ve got some awesome DIY home exterior design ideas to share with you that WON’T break the bank! Pick a weekend and get busy with these exterior home remodel projects: a mailbox makeover, create a natural pathway, spruce up your front door, and other simple ideas that cost next to nothing.
Mother’s Day Brunch And Gift Ideas In Nashville
Need Mother’s Day brunch ideas for the Brentwood mom? What about Mother’s Day gift ideas? Here’s a list of fun and easy things to do on Mother’s Day in the Nashville and Brentwood, Tennessee area.
3 Ways To Cut Cast Iron Pipe For DIY Plumbing Repair Projects
Knowing how to cut cast iron pipe is essential for do it yourself plumbing repair projects. There are basically 3 ways to get the job done: a hacksaw, a cold chisel, or a snap cutter. See which one is BEST for cutting cast iron pipe.
Got Yellow Underarm Stains? The Best Way To Remove Sweat Stains From Shirts AND Prevent Armpit Stains In The First Place
I’ve had a problem with the underarms of my white shirts turning yellow for years. If you want to remove sweat stains naturally, here are 3 things that have worked for me. Also, I’ve found 2 great ways to prevent sweat stains in the first place!
Dachshund Dog Characteristics: Temperament, Grooming & Health Issues A Wiener Dog Is Likely To Experience
If you’re considering adding a Dachshund dog to your family, then you should know that there are 3 different sizes and a wide variety of colors, markings (and hair lengths!) to choose from. In fact, the Dachshund has more coat, color, and pattern combinations and varieties than any other dog breed! Beyond that, here’s what you need to know about Doxies shedding, digging, back issues, stubbornness, potty training, grooming & exercise needs. Plus how they are around kids.
How To Have An Eco Friendly House On A Budget: 9 Simple Tips For Homeowners & Apartment Dwellers
My budget-friendly tips for creating an eco friendly house. 9 simple ideas — from replacing plastic with natural materials to choosing eco friendly cleaning products and 7 other green home tips.
Using Tin Ceiling Tiles vs. Tin Roofing Inside Your Home: Tips For Installing Tin Ceiling Tiles Yourself + Tin Ceiling Cost Factors
What you put on the ceiling is just as important as what you put on the walls. Used in the right room with the right accents, things like vinyl, aluminum, Styrofoam, and tin ceiling tiles can add a stunning punch that’s different from the other rooms in your home! Here’s what real ceiling tiles and faux ceiling tiles are like, how much tin ceiling tiles cost, and the steps for installing tin ceiling tiles yourself.
Everything You Want To Know About ChoiceDek And MoistureShield Composite Deck Products
Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (AERT) is the manufacturer of ChoiceDek and MoistureShield composite decking materials. I’ve spoken with ChoiceDek and MoistureShield reps several times now. Here’s what I’ve learned about these composite decks. Good stuff!
Tips For Watering Plants On Vacation – My 5 Favorite Ways To Water Plants While Away
You have to plan ahead how you’ll be watering plants on vacation even though you’re not there. Here are 2 really simple ways to water plants while away + 3 clever DIY solutions that you might want to try. My best ideas for watering house plants on vacation.
Older Dog Is Aggressive With Puppy? (Mine Was Too) My Best Tips For Dealing With Dog Aggression
Have you ever dealt with dog aggression issues? I have! We went from 2 dogs to 3 dogs and the middle dog immediately became aggressive toward the new puppy. Here are my tips for adding another dog into your household and how to deal with dog aggression — especially when it’s an older dog playing too rough with a new puppy.
Your Green Insulation Options: The 7 Most Eco-Friendly Types Of Home Insulation
Green home insulation materials are ones that are manufactured from renewable resources & recycled materials with fewer chemicals. Which type of insulation is best for your home depends on where you live. Here’s how to choose a green insulation material with a high R-value for where you live. We’ll cover these: cellulose insulation, cotton insulation, mineral wool insulation / rock wool insulation, sheep wool insulation, straw bale insulation, soy foam insulation, and recycled plastic insulation.
Laminate Wood Flooring Or Hardwood? How I Chose Between Laminate & Hardwood Flooring
What’s better? Hardwood or laminate wood flooring? The flooring debate continues between laminate wood flooring and real hardwood. You’ll want to things like budget, durability, and resale value when weighing the pros & cons of both. I’ll help you decide what’s best for you!
How To Find Appliance Rebates & Home Energy Tax Incentives In Your Area
Finding out if a new appliance has a rebate from a government source is easier than ever. An Energy Star rating doesn’t mean it’s eligible for a rebate, but there is no sense in leaving money on the table, now is there?
What Is The Best Organic Soda? My Review Of 3 Popular Organic Sodas
Is organic soda healthier for you than regular soda? Does it taste good? I tried 3 popular organic sodas (Zevia Soda, Hansen’s Natural Soda, Blue Sky Soda) – in search of the best organic soda. Here’s what I’ve learned about organic, natural soda.
Reflective Roofing vs. Dark Roof Colors: See How Roof Shingle Colors Affect Your Energy Costs
I’m a roofer and I’m here to tell you that roof colors matter. It depends on where you live. See when you’d want to choose reflective roof shingles and when you’d want to choose dark asphalt shingles for your house. And see how your energy bills will be different, based on the roof shingle colors you choose.
Considering Smart Home Technology? Here’s What It’s Like Living In A House With A Smart Lighting System Installed (Pros & Cons)
A few years ago, I moved into a new house and installed a smart lighting system throughout as part of an extensive remodel. Here is my personal experience with smart lighting — the pros and cons of this smart home technology that makes the lights go on and off automatically on a schedule and whenever motion is sensed.
Thinking Of Putting A Hot Tub Inside Your House? Pros & Cons Of Indoor Hot Tub Installation
Thinking of installing an indoor hot tub? At the very least, don’t do it yourself! Although an indoor hot tub gives you more privacy and fewer maintenance issues, you have to think about mold inside, weight capacities on your flooring, and the multitude of electrical and plumbing issues that could arise. Here are the pros and cons of indoor hot tub installation.
Home Tool Kit List: A Basic List Of Tools That Every Homeowner Needs
Moving into a new house? You’re going to need some basic tools for small home projects! Here’s the list of tools that I recommend. They’re the ones I’ve used the most — after moving into my first home. This home tool kit list is my housewarming gift to you.
Cheap Building Materials: How To Get Contractors Discounts On Building Materials For Your New Home Or Remodeling Project
Wondering how to get your hands on cheap building materials for your home remodel or new home? Construction materials are expensive, but I’ve got a few ways for you to save big bucks when remodeling or building a house on a budget. Hint: You don’t have to be a contractor to get the contractor discount!
Thinking Of Installing A Pocket Door? Here Are The Pros And Cons Of Pocket Doors + Simple Pocket Door Installation Tips
Before installing a pocket door, read these helpful tips. Pocket doors are great, but they have their limitations too. We’re putting some in our home, but we were unable to use a pocket door in the bathroom like we wanted to.
How To Give Your Old Appliances A Sharp, New Look Using Stainless Steel Paint
You can use stainless steel paint to update an old appliance and make it look like a brand new (stainless steel) model! We tried it. Here’s our review of the process and how it turned out. It was actually fun and easy to do and I’ve shared a ton of pics, tips, and tricks to make your experience even easier.
My Puppy Hiccups A Lot… Is This Normal? Here’s What You Need To Know About Hiccups In Dogs
Yes, puppy hiccups are normal. Here’s what causes hiccups in dogs, why they’re so common in puppies, how long dog hiccups last, what you can do to stop them, and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.
How To Spackle And Sand Walls For A Smooth Finish: DIY Drywall Repair
Ready for some DIY drywall repair? Drywall spackle and sanding tools are important to get the job done and I’ve included my best tips to do it yourself!
5 Eco-Friendly Ways To Remove Paint With Non Toxic Paint Removers & Paint Stripping Techniques
Don’t want to harm yourself or the environment when painting? Consider these non toxic paint remover ideas if you’re concerned about using eco friendly ways to remove paint. Soy gels, boiling water with baking soda and 3 other eco friendly paint removers.
Fast Food Salads: My Review Of McDonalds Salads & Wendys Salads (…From The Drive-Thru)
A comparison of the Wendy’s Chicken BLT salad vs McDonald’s Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch salad. PLUS… some interesting facts about fast food salads compared to dog food. AND… fast-food salads compared to burgers.
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers: Creative Uses For These Household Cleaning Blocks That Truly Work Magic!
A list of a zillion great uses for Mr Clean Magic Erasers from people who actually use them. See what makes a Magic Eraser cleaning block work so well & what this magic sponge is made of. What’s the secret that enables Mr. Clean Magic Erasers to work miracles?
