DIY Storage Organizers: Simple Ways To Get Organized Without Spending A Dime!

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From the 'Now why didn't I think of that?' file... The following tips stem from a segment I saw on Live with Kelly & Michael the other day. These are some of the best ideas I've seen for getting organized without spending a dime!   … [Read more...]

DIY Tips For Making Your Own Foaming Soap Refills + Prettier Foam Soap Pump Bottles

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I used to spend a fortune on those foaming soap dispensers filled with Dawn dishwashing soap! Seriously. They're so darned convenient that I quickly became addicted. I was always on the hunt for good deals on little bottles of Dawn foaming dish soap. When the soap ran out and the bottles became empty, I would just toss the bottle and replace it with a new one. For awhile, I was thrilled to actually find Dawn foaming soap refill bottles. They weren't nearly as large or economical as the … [Read more...]

Simple DIY Door Stops You Can Make Yourself + Other Super Cool And Unique Doorstops

Using a tube bottle as a door stop. photo by Lynnette at TheFunTimesGuide.com

It wasn't until I saw this tube door stopper that I realized an empty (or not-so-empty) tube of anything makes a cheap and easy DIY door stop! Plus-d is a Japanese company that actually sells colorful tubes that are similar to a tube of hand lotion, facial cleanser, etc. and markets them as doorstops to keep your doors propped open. While those tubes may be more fashionable and modern than your typical door stopper (and regular tubes of stuff, for that matter), I can't help but think … [Read more...]

How To Make Your Own All Natural Fabric Softener + The Best Ways To Remove Static Cling

You can make your own natural fabric softener for just pennies! photo by gezellig-girl.com on Flickr

Let's face it, Downey and other liquid fabric softeners are expensive! Not to mention the fact that they're made with harsh chemicals, as opposed to using only natural ingredients. With so many of us doing our best to live greener these days, it makes sense to make your own (safer) household cleaners whenever possible. Homemade liquid fabric softener is no exception. The fact is that our grandmothers knew all about the benefits of using natural fabric softeners, and there's no reason … [Read more...]

Top 14 Yard Sale Shopping Tips To Score The Best Garage Sale Deals

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It's that time of year again when those of us who love to find good deals hit the yard sale circuit. Thrift stores and yard sales are 2 of my all-time favorite summer pastimes. Who doesn't love a bargain, right? That's one of the coolest things about yard sales is finding those really great bargains! There is definitely an art to being a yard sale shopper and being able to spot the best garage sale deals. Here are 14 ways to find the absolute best yard sale deals... … [Read more...]

Tankless Water Heater Cost, Pros & Cons, And Installation Tips

Tankless water heaters for the home are becoming very popular -- especially when you think about the fact that heating water accounts for 25% of the energy used your home. It only makes sense to heat water more efficiently, if you can. Unlike a conventional water heater that is constantly "on" in order to have hot water available when you need it, a tankless water heater is different in that it turns "on" only when it's needed and heats your water on demand. … [Read more...]

The Best FREE Home Inventory Programs To Keep Track Of Everything You Own

Do you have a record of all the high-ticket items you've purchased that are currently in your home?  If you suffered a fire or flood would it be easy for you to determine exactly what was lost or destroyed?  It's important to have a detailed inventory of all your belongings in the event of a natural disaster, accident, or theft. Your home inventory should include everything that you can personally itemize within your house.  It should also include all of your insurance policies, … [Read more...]

Home Warranties: 6 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Home Warranty

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First, it's important to realize that home warranties are not the same as homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance is required by your mortgage company. It covers your personal property, and the structure and contents within your home should an accident or disaster occur. When your home burns down, is damaged by Mother Nature or intruders, or if the water heater springs a leak and ruins your hardwood floors and carpeting, your homeowners insurance will cover that. A home warranty, on … [Read more...]

9 Tips Before You Hire A Home Repair Handyman

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Every now and then, you may need a little help with home repairs and maintenance issues. You've probably heard about handymen who come to your home to fix things that you may not have the knowledge or ability to do yourself. For the record, not all handymen are carpenters, electricians, or plumbers. Some confine their efforts to yard work, clearing brush, mowing grass, and general outdoor maintenance instead of indoor home repairs. Regardless, it shouldn't be too difficult to find a … [Read more...]

Not Using Your Inground Swimming Pool Anymore? A Pool Deckover Saves Money & Gives You Back Usable Space

If you're not using your swimming pool much these days, there's a better option than draining it, filling it in, and/or keeping it covered year round.  With a swimming pool Deckover, you can utilize all of that valuable space in your backyard that's currently being consumed by the pool any way you want to! A Deckover is the process of placing composite decking over an existing swimming pool, giving you usable living space while protecting your pool until the time comes that you either want … [Read more...]