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While Steph and I were installing the custom two-level shelving in one of my grandson's room, the other two requested shelving for their rooms.

We certainly were not going to turn down their requests but we also knew we couldn't do custom shelving since we didn't have the means to do so with all our tools and supplies in Tallahassee not Orlando.

Since we couldn't do custom, we looked online for ready-made options. Our best option and most convenient was floating shelves from Ikea. There's an Ikea in Orlando, so off we went to explore and shop. 

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This video is sponsored by Lowe's. #LowesPartner #LowesFinds

Thank you to Lowe's for partnering with us on this very fun project!

We when previewed the list of items to choose from, both Steph and I had the giant chicken at the top of our lists. Even thought it's a Christmas chicken, we thought it would be great to use it for many holidays. 

So off we went to build it a "coop" and outfit her holiday wardrobe!

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My second grandson wanted new shelving for his room so that he could display his finished Lego sets. He has lots of open wall space perfect for installing custom shelving. 

After measuring the space and consulting with him on what he wanted, we got started.

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All of my grandchildren, including the youngest, are avid readers of chapter books. 

With this in mind, I decided to make a bookstand for my granddaughter for her room back at home. 

I wanted something quick as it was too hot to spend too much time in the garage. And, I also wanted to make it using the Dremel Blueprint Saw Station. I landed on a design by Woodshop Diaries. It was the perfect quick project. 

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When Steph moved into her house in 2013, we converted a hall closet into a landing zone. This was pre-MDP so there's no video or step by step process! It's been a really great functional addition to her home.

Along with a storage bench, shelf, and hooks, we added a small holder for her keys and one pair of sunglasses utilizing an old picture frame.

It has served her well but she has now collected additional sunglasses for kayaking, hiking, and more. She needed more storage space. 

Here's what we did to make a larger storage space for keys and sunglasses. 

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This video is sponsored by Lowe's. #LowesPartner #LowesFinds

Outdoor projects don't stop just because it's hot outside. We found this Project Source Misting Cooler proved to help beat the heat when working outdoors.

To try out the versatility of the mister, we completed several outdoor projects taking the mister with as we worked. 

Check out how we used the mister and the very cute new focal point in Steph's backyard. 

As usual, our A/C units have been working overtime during our hot Florida summers. 

After experiencing an A/C leak at Steph's house, we learned a few things from the A/C technician about A/C maintenance.

In this video, we share what we learned about how to prevent clogs in the condensation line to which will prevent water leaks.

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We started this project somewhat doubtful that we would be successful. Undaunted by the prospect of failure, we moved forward with Steph's idea for a floating or hanging microwave cabinet. 

There are two moments in this build that brought us great joy and a real sense of accomplishment. Comment below when you find them.

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This build, plus the microwave cabinet, is the perfect addition to Steph's kitchen!

After discovering damage to a lower kitchen cabinet, we eventually removed it and then repurposed it into a rolling kitchen island. 

​Here's how we did it.

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Steph is not a gardener, but her friend and kayak buddy, Stephanie is! Stephanie wanted to build a raised garden and asked Steph to help.

Steph was totally onboard with helping with the build. The design is Stephanie's. 

Throughout the video, you'll see Stephanie's goats and greyhounds "helping!" No animals were harmed in the building of these structures, but they did add some challenges and joy!

Take a look at how it all came together.

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This video is sponsored by Lowe's. #LowesPartner #LowesFinds

I've worked on the back patio at my house on many occasions over the years. We put a shed back there as well as a kayak stand and added a storage box. And not too long along, I patched and repaired the concrete. 

But the one thing that never came together was a defined space for sitting and enjoying the outdoors. Most of the patio is just storage.

With this Lowe's Home Improvement collaboration, we set about to create a defined "space" for outdoor sitting, with the addition of a screen. The screen will help identify the perimeter of the "space" as well as to help camouflage the storage at the opposite end of the patio. 

Here's how it went.

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I really like tea, and when I saw some videos of people using the metal Stanley lunch box as a coffee to-go setup, I knew I had to make one but for tea!

You can buy tabletops that fit this lunch box, but I knew we had some nice scrap hard wood that would make a great top. So I went to work creating one, and put together the teas, cups, snacks, and supplies that would be my tea time to-go setup!

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We've needed a sunshade on Steph's porch for a long time. After some tree work in her yard and the yard of her neighbors, it was clear we couldn't go another summer on the porch without some kind of sun protection.

Costco, once again, had their Koolspot Shades on sale in the store this past month. Unfortunately, the one in the store was too long for the porch so we ordered one online. 

Here's how we installed it, the tiny bumps along the way, and what we think about it.

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Now that it is spring, it's time to inspect your outdoor tools to see if the blades need to be replaced or other maintenance is needed.

Since we are in Florida, it's already time to mow, edge and to take care of other outdoor cleanup so we need the outdoor tools to be in good working order. 

Steph had never replaced the blades on her Ryobi edger or mower. In this video, she walks you through the process. 

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It's been a while since we've purchased a new tool. Thanks to Dremel's media campaign, I became aware of this new product.

It looked interesting so I suggested to Steph that we get it. 

This is our review of the features and how to use it to help you determine if this is something that needs to find a place in your DIY space. 

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I have an assortment of blankets that I keep bedside that needed a storage space. I thought a simple blanket ladder would be the perfect solution.

There are lots of ways to make a blanket ladder which makes this a versatile, customizable DIY project. You can make one to fit your storage needs and space. 

I chose to use materials I already had on hand which dictated the final measurements of this project. 

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We have installed a lot of fixtures by Artika that we've purchased at Costco. We keep buying them because we like them so much. 

When I saw this new fan/light combo, I had to have it for my room. 

​This was, by far, the easiest installing we've done to date!

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Project inspiration can be found in the most unlikely of places! Inspiration for this simple, easy project came from the dressing rooms at our local REI co-op outdoor store. 

The very first project we did with Wall Control was to reorganize the craft closet at Steph's house. But somehow, over the last seven years that we've used Wall Control in various areas of our homes, we never thought to use it in MY sewing/craft room. 

A few months ago, I took down a single panel of Wall Control from inside my closet as I wasn't using it. I decided to take it into my craft room, use some accessories and hooks we had on hand, pegged my notions, then propped it up against the wall to see if it was something I liked. 

I used it for a few weeks like that and decided that it was the perfect organization that I needed for the space. I liked having all my notions in one place where they were easy to get to and easy to put back into place. 

So join us as we add some much needed storage and organization to my space. 

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Both the bathrooms at Steph's house were in need of a refresh. She had recently taken notice of how shabby the cabinets were looking and that the handles and hinges never matched.

We decided to tackle the cabinet refresh as a weekend project to see if it was possible to do it in a single weekend.

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Sometimes you just live with clutter, but other times you are just done with the clutter. This happened to Steph. 

Her smart device lives on a corner of her kitchen bar along with glasses, pens, fidget toys, and more. It was out of control and visually messy.

She came up with an idea to hide the clutter but still keep it nearby. Take a look at this simple clutter-buster DIY. 

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Steph has had greyhounds since 2018. Her current dog, Tosh, is often joined by her friends for sleepovers. Without exception, every greyhound has rushed to the front door when the doorbell rings or when someone is trying to leave. It's a lot of greys in a small space.

Up to this point, we've always just gingerly opened the door just enough to go in and out working hard to keep the dogs contained.

When Steph was fostering a very curious and aggressive door rusher, she had a thought. "maybe a gate would work in the space to keep the dogs contained."

​She did her research and here what she found!

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Sometimes the solution to a problem takes time to become apparent. With the seats down in the back of Steph's 2012 MINI Cooper Clubman, the area was not flat. It was a challenge to slide things in and out, as well as provide a comfortable space for the dog.

Steph had a lightbulb moment and realized she could DIY a custom flat surface for the back of the car as the solution to her problem.

Follow along as we share how we problem solved this solution. 

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It has been our experience that water issues are one of the most common problems for homeowners.

Between our two homes, we have had numerous water leaks, some minor and others pretty bad. 

Recently, Steph discovered a leak at her house that required three visits from the plumber. Well, four visits, if you count the water problem she had shortly before the current leak!

Read on to hear about our experience and what we learned along the way.

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We've had a large Ruggable brand washable rug in Steph's house for five years. Every time she wants to wash it I kind of groan as it's a big deal to put back in place.

But not this time! We finally found the secret sauce to getting it easily back in place after washing. Along the way, Steph shares this tip and others about washing this rug.