Creating a perfectly functional workspace can take some time. It all starts with the desk, which provides the surface and space you need to be productive and/or creative. If you're like me, you might keep a notepad nearby to jot ideas, reminders and the occasional doodle. Instead of paper, however, you can install a chalkboard panel straight into your desktop for an eye-catching and sustainable note-taking solution.
Plus, there's something appealing about the juxtaposition of a classic element, like a chalkboard, with tech gadgets like laptops, iPhones and iPads. Intrigued? Make plans to tackle this weekend project ASAP.
Thanks to our friends at ApartmentTherapy for leading us to Turnstone, which includes a complete project guide. First up? Supplies!
*Rustoleum Chalkboard Paint
*Ruler
*Masking tape
*Pencil
*Paintbrush
Clear off your desk and decide the size of the space on which you want to paint. Mark the area with masking tape.
'Tis the season to decorate your home for the holidays! Many people opt to purchase a live Christmas tree to serve as the focal point of holiday decor. Sure, they're more fragrant and lush than their artificial counterparts, but live Christmas trees also require care to keep them from drying out--and reducing the risk of fire.
If you've picked a live tree, use these tips as a guide to keep it fresh and hydrated.
*Use a reservoir-type stand, which will hold adequate water to keep the tree hydrated.
*Before you put the tree in the stand, cut a half-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk. Don't cut into your tree at a V-angle; if you do, it's more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and won't allow as much water to travel throughout the tree.
*Keep your tree well-watered. The National Christmas Tree Association recommends a stand that can hold one quart of water per inch of stem diameter.
*Make sure your tree isn't near any sort of heat source. And if you can, lower the temperature in the tree room to slow the drying process.
So you've moved into a new home. It's pristine, it's perfect -- it's the home of your dreams, right? Not exactly--at least, not for the six homeowners featured in a "6 Creepiest Things Discovered By New Homeowners" round-up published on Cracked.com.
As soon as I saw that headline pop up in my Twitter feed, I knew I had a blog post -- albeit a creepy one! Now that I've created a fair amount of suspense, let's dive into some of the yuckiest things that homeowners have discovered in their new abodes.
1. Snakes in the walls. *cue shrieking* Ben and Amber Sessions noticed a large amount of snakes on their property. After hearing a slithering sound in their walls, they removed a siding panel and discovered a writhing mass of snakes. After some investigation, the Sessions found out their home was built on top of a massive snake hibernaculum. The only way to fix it? Remove the home from its foundation and lay a brand-new concrete foundation. As Cracked.com reports, the project would cost $100,000. Instead, the Sessions abandoned the house, and eventually had to file bankruptcy.
2. Oozing walls. After Colorado resident Debbie Hill moved into her new home, the walls started to ooze. The brave soul actually tasted the substance, and realized it was honey. The previous homeowners had exterminated a massive beehive that had been built within the home's walls. Although the bees were gone, the honey remained, and during a rare heat wave, the high temperatures had caused honey to ooze down the walls. As with the snake infestation, this situation is also not cheap to fix, as it entails tearing out the walls and rebuilding them. According to Cracked.com, the local news outlet held a collection drive to help Debbie raise money for the repairs.
You've assembled your tools and materials and are ready to get started on your latest DIY project. Here's the catch -- do you need a permit? Having one not only ensures you've gone through the proper channels--it also provides necessary documentation that you'll need to provide when selling your house, for example.
We've compiled a list of common projects that may require permits from your city or municipality. When in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out to someone who works in your area's permitting department so that you can ensure you have everything in order.
Now, without further ado, here are projects that will likely require permits:
*Moving plumbing. Whether you're moving interior or exterior plumbing, you'll likely need a permit.
*Moving or installing electrical wiring. In addition to requiring a permit, the city may require one or more inspections of the project to ensure that everything is safely and properly installed and is in good working order.
*Cutting out a new door or window. Many projects that require cutting through your home's exterior walls will likely need some sort of permit.
