Steamer TrunkHammer & Pry Bar (to gut and take off hardwareJigsaw (you could also use a razor)Brad NailerStain1' x 2" pine and 1"x ½" wood spacers1" x 2" pine and ¼" x 2" lathing boardsStore bought wine glass holdersGluePaint StripperMark explains how to make a vintage looking wine and liquor cabinet using a steamer trunk that we got off of Craigslist for only $50.
More than 70% of child safety restraints in the United States are installed or used incorrectly. The most common mistake is making sure you know the right way to face the seat. This is also the most dangerous mistake a parent can make when it comes to car seat safety. Kids should remain rear-facing to a minimum of two years old, regardless of height or weight, and should continue to rear-face until they outgrow the seat in that mode. Children’s vertebrae are not fused until well into early childhood and this makes them prone to serious injury or even death if involved in an accident. Basically, if the crash could result in whiplash in an adult, it could kill a small child. Rear-facing provides more support to the child's neck during the initial impact. For children under two years, rear facing is more than 500% safer than forward facing. Car seats definitely have expiration dates. Check the back or bottom of the seat for a label stating the date of manufacture. Most seats expire six years after the date of manufacture. Once expired, a child seat must be destroyed and thrown away. Never sell it, give it away, or leave it on the curb. Using an expired or recalled seat is also a commonly made mistake. The latch (lower anchors and tethers for children) system is available in all passenger vehicles. Its purpose is to make it easier to install car seats correctly.
"Home & Family" garden expert Shirley Bovshow has another great living indoor DIY. These arrangements are made from palm fronds and succulents. They live in a mossy bed wrapped in chicken wire. It's easy to make. When finished, elevate the arrangement with driftwood, glass blocks or books to keep the surface off your table. Moisture will transfer.
Organize. Store all summer weather items - not thrown in the garage or a closet - take this time to install shelves and organize. Check all smoke detectors. Put a new battery in each detector, even if it appears to be working fine. The small investment in a new 9-volt battery is a small price to pay for safety. Replace them every six months. An easy way to remember is to change them once for summer and once for winter. Check to make sure fire extinguishers are in good condition. Keep them in easy-to-grab places, but out-of-reach from children. Check your clothes dryer. Clean the exit vents and clean behind them. This is a common place for fires to start. Check your washing machine hoses for cracks or bubbles. This is the most common cause of flooding in the home. Take a look at all outlets, appliances, cords, etc. for damage and replace if necessary. Check all air conditioning vents & screens in the house. These will soon have a lot of air blowing through them and this small step will prevent dust and debris from blowing around the house.
Gardening is one of my favorite activities. Since we are going into the holiday season, I wanted to bring my love of fresh herbs to an elegant, fun holiday table arrangement that our guests can enjoy. During the holiday meal, encourage guests to enhance the savory flavors of soups, salads, sauces, meats/fish/fowl by adding fresh herbs from this table arrangement. For desserts and teas, a fresh sprig of spearmint or peppermint could be added. Some examples of herbs to use:
Red and blue bandanas (you can add white bandanas in too if you like); 4 regular size bandanas should get you about a 50 inch size bannerRope/strong string cut a bit longer on both side than the desired lengthScissorsMason Jars; whatever size you likeBurlap ribbon; 5-inches in widthRed, White, and Blue ribbon; about 1 to 1 ½ -inches in widthWhite paintSmall paintbrushGlue gunScissorsWhite cotton napkins Non-toxic acrylic paint; red, white, and bluePaintbrush; one small foam brush, one small paint brushWater; about 1 cupBowl for water/paint mixture; a mason jar works greatTowel; one you aren’t worried about ruining
