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May 7, 2015 in Tech Toybox

The Most Modern Magnet Around: Invoxia’s Smart Fridge Magnet

Sick of roommates forgetting to get more milk? Want to blast tunes while cooking breakfast on a Saturday morning? Need an easier way to make kitchen phone calls? Look no further than Invoxia’s Smart Fridge Magnet, Triby.

This magnet basically replaces any need for a home phone or cellphone in the kitchen. With Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability, the magnet not only serves as a noise-cancelling loudspeaker but a message center and even can make phone calls.

Invoxia’s Triby is not available on the market yet, but when it does, it’s a product definitely worth checking out.

May 6, 2015 in Idea Corner

Who Said Recycling Is Boring? Upcycle Two Broken Chairs Into A French-Style Bench!

Upcycling is becoming a trend among homeowners. Why? Because it’s a simple, affordable way to help the environment. So don’t trash broken chairs; turn them into a French-style Bench masterpiece!

Here’s the required supplies:

Two chairs
Sturdy hardwood
Pine wood
Long screws
Molding
Wood filler
Plywood
Paint
Quilt batting

Begin by choosing two chairs that look great from their sides, ( the curvier the better!) and then remove their front legs and seats.

Depending on the desired length of the bench, cut sturdy hardwood to length and nail together a rectangle box with two wood screws on each end. Make sure to attach the box by screwing through the chair and into the box to make sure it is extra secure.

To provide even more support, add a bottom bench. This will be a thinner rectangle box made of pine below the hardier bench box. Attach this to the bottom of the chair legs in the same manner as before. Following this addition, nail vertical slats of molding to the rectangle to create an area for storage.

With construction complete, use wood filler to fill all the holes and then sand the material thoroughly. Once dry, paint the whole bench any color desired, though white is recommended.

Finally, add a 1/2″ plywood to the top of the bench and secure quilted batting and any material desired to finish off the backyard seating.

Enjoy the outdoors with a nearly new French-style bench!

For a step-by-step guide to how to build a French-style bench, check out Jami’s post from An Oregon Cottage!

May 5, 2015 in Tech Toybox

Get Ready For Summer With The Zoku Quick Pop Maker!

With spring swiftly ending and summer coming to a head, nothing will cool off those hot days like a popsicle. No need to waste time or money on a trip to the grocery store or ice cream shop. Instead, check out the Zoku Quick Pop Maker.

Using any groceries, like fruit, juice or even yogurt, the Zoku Quick Pop Maker can create homemade popsicles in just 7 minutes. No electricity required!

To see how it works, check out the video below:

May 4, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

Top 3 Kitchen Backsplash Trends For 2015

Last week, Chicago Handyman posted about the latest wall trend: ombre wall paint! Now here are 3 of the most anticipated kitchen backsplash trends of the 2015 home improvement season:

1. Natural Stone

With an earthy look and refined lines, natural stone can add visual interest and texture to a sleek kitchen.

2. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel appliances are becoming standard in every kitchen, and it’s starting to make its way into backsplashes as well. Modern and reflective, a stainless steel backsplash can breathe life into even the most neutral of kitchens.

3. Chalkboard

A chalkboard backsplash can change a room with a simple line of chalk. From reminders to kid’s drawings, chalkboard backsplashes add charm and an artistic vibe to any kitchen.

For more ideas, check out ImproveNet for their article on even more 2015 kitchen backsplash trends.

May 1, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

The Best Way To Add Vintage Flair To A New Home: Chair Railings

New homes, no matter how pristine or innovative, often miss that vintage charm. Well, look no further than installing a chair rail to bring class back to the dining room. Follow this simple tutorial from A Pinch Of Joy about how to install a chair railing in any room and recreate the glamour of yesteryear with the convenience of the 21st century.

Start by measuring the lengths of the walls in the selected room. Determine the longest run in the room and purchase all moulding and trim in this length (8ft, 10ft or 12ft).

Once the moulding and trim are bought, measure 38.5 inches from the floor up the wall. Then draw a line across the whole length of the wall, using a carpenter’s or laser level to double check that the line is straight.

To begin installing, start at an inside corner. Measure this to the door, window or following corner and begin making cuts to the molding and trim as necessary. Doors and windows require straight cuts, inside corners require 45-degree angles and outside corners require 30-degree angles. Then start to nail! Putting the trim above or below the line drawn, apply a nail to moulding or trim every 12 to 18 inches. Repeat until the whole room is surrounded in chair rail!

For the finishing touches, fill the nail holes with caulk or joint compound. After the material dries, sand the chair rail smooth. Finally, paint the chair rail in the desired color.

When done, host a dinner party and watch guests be impressed by an old world charm in a brand new home.