text by Vicki     Sign up here to join our weekly email newsletter! ​

Over a year ago when we built the bed-in-a-box, we knew we wanted some kind of decoration on the side of it. We were unsure what we wanted but when we got a Cricut Maker a few months ago, we realized we could design a custom stencil to use to decorate the box and that is what we did. 

​Read on to see how we did it. 

text by Vicki     Sign up here to join our weekly email newsletter! ​

A few weeks ago, I spotted a piece of plexiglass on the curb at a neighbor's house which was destined for trash pickup. I went back the next day to grab it off the curb. I didn't know what we would use it for, but knew a piece of plexiglass that large could come in handy for a project. 

Shortly after I tossed it into the back of my car to take home, Steph came up with a use for it--a really good use!

As you may know, Steph has a podcast (totally unrelated to our blog). She and her blog co-host have been remotely recording during the pandemic. But recently they had a guest call in from Oklahoma and realized that the two of them needed to be in the same room to record this episode. 

Can you see where this is going? Steph designed a portable plexiglass screen that could be used between them to help stop the spread of germs. She designed two different configurations. Pretty cool! 

This is perfect for her needs, but could also be used this coming fall for someone wanting to sell at a crafts fair or show. There are lots of possibilities for its use. 

text by Vicki     Sign up here to join our weekly email newsletter! ​

This project was inspired by a light bulb--the Feit 3D Infinity Fireworks bulb. We saw it online and ordered one, then we ordered a second, and then a third! Take a look at the statement standing lamp Steph made with the three bulbs. 

text by Vicki     Sign up here to join our weekly email newsletter! ​

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.

With lots of time spent at home because of the lockdown plus beautiful, mild spring weather, Steph and I have been busy checking off a lot of maintenance projects that had been put off far too long!

Luckily, many of the tools we received for this quarter's The Home Depot ProSpective tool campaign to use and review lent themselves to our outdoor home maintenance projects. 

The most versatile of the bunch was a 23 foot multi-positional ladder by Gorilla Ladder. We've purchased many Gorilla Ladders products over the years so it came as no surprise, that we were expecting great things from it!

We put together an entire video just to showcase all the things it can do. We used it to install a new garage lighting fixture, clean the screen porch inside and out, clean out the gutters and try out the scaffolding feature to clean the tallest windows at Steph's house. It did not disappoint. 

I should point out that we have a love/hate relationship with ladders, especially the really tall ones. We learned that we both are afraid of heights while painting the house when neither of us could go past the sixth rung of an extension ladder. We finished that painting trim work with a creative brush we safely used from the ground!

Anyway, if you are looking for a ladder that feels secure, this is the one. Order online at The Home Depot and pick up curbside! It's a super convenient way to shop!

Read on to see what other tools we used to clean, maintain, and to make improvements at Steph's house. 

text by Vicki     Sign up here to join our weekly email newsletter! ​

During this pandemic, when the CDC finally issued the statement that we should ALL wear a mask, I started researching various patterns so that I could  make them for Steph and I, friends, and anyone else that might want one. I've since joined a Facebook group that sews masks for medical groups and facilities, fire fighters, and more. I've also taken many to our local food bank for those that deliver food to others.

Here are some things I've learned during my weeks of sewing masks. Please add your tips in the comments!