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DIY

DIY, how to, making do, technology

How to Make a 1 Dollar Photo Projector

08/19/2014

How to Make a $1 DIY Photo Projector | This American House

Back in the old days a couple would return from vacation and invite all of their friends over to their house for a slideshow of the amazing shots of far flung destinations that they the snapped. Drinks would be served and merriment would ensue as the guests would live vicariously through their traveling friends. And then digital photography came along and instead of getting together to see each other’s photos, we simply swipe through Instagram and Facebook feeds. Sure, it’s a little easier, but I miss the social aspect of slide shows.

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DIY, making do, renovation

Adventures in Stripping: Or Maybe We’ll Paint

08/14/2014

Adventures in Stripping: Maybe We'll Paint | This American House

The topic of the house’s woodwork and whether it should be stripped or painted has been hotly debated for months now. The Mister and I have gone back and forth on the issue at least a dozen times. He has a been a proponent of stripping the woodwork from the very beginning. I initially wanted to keep everything painted, but after some cajoling I, too, thought the trim and window frames should be stripped.

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American System-Built Home, DIY, renovation

Ding Dong The Mantel’s Gone

07/30/2014

Ding Dong the Mantel's Gone

One night last winter, in what can only be described as a fit of exhaustion and after a long day of travel, I announced that it was time to remove the mantel.

“What?” The Mister asked. “Now?”

“If not now, when?” I implored.

And so armed with a flat head screwdriver and a hammer, we started prying the trim pieces from around the mantel.

“This will be easy,” I promised The Mister. “The mantel is a hollow box that is mounted on the fireplace. I’m sure it’ll just pop right off.”

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cleaning, DIY, Maintenance, setting up home

Schlepping Sloshing Water Buckets is for Chumps!
How to Connect Your Dehumidifier to a Drain

07/10/2014

Schlepping Sloshing Water Buckets is for Chumps! Connect Your Dehumidifier to a Drain | This American House

In some ways, the flooding basement was a blessing in disguise. Not only did it force us to clean up what was quickly becoming a cluttered mess, we were also inspired to buy a dehumidifier to help dry out the basement. I had no idea our basement was so damp until I found myself emptying the water bucket multiple times per day. Hooray for a dry basement! But boo for schlepping a sloshing water bucket to the basement bathroom multiple times per day. Schlepping is for chumps!

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bathroom, DIY, renovation

When You Have to Start Somewhere Start Small

07/03/2014

Stripping Woodwork | This American HouseWe’re officially diving into the huge task of stripping woodwork in the house. My approach to big tasks is to start with a small portion and then work my way to the big stuff. It’s partially for that reason that we’re stripping the woodwork in the bathroom first. Being the smallest room in the house, it’s like dipping our toe in the water before we really plunge in. We’re also starting in this room because we’re working up way up to a full renovation of the bathroom in the coming months. Woodwork first, then flooring, then sink and toilet, etc.

Wish us luck!


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