April 23, 2015 in Tech Toybox
Travel plans can be stressful. From confirmation e-mails to getting directions to the hotel, a phone can be dinging 5 to 10 times an hour.
Well, here’s a solution! Tripit automatically downloads travel plans, booking confirmation e-mails and GPS directions to one convenient app. It also suggests attractions and informs you of the weather, easily making it a go-to app for the constant traveler or weekend warrior.
April 22, 2015 in Idea Corner
In modern interior design, neutrals are always stressed as being the best pallet to go with. But not everyone can settle for a “blah” room. Enter… accent colors! These five tips from Buzzfeed will revitalize any room’s decor leaving it with a classy and colorful look.
1. Frame Up Some Color!
Don’t leave picture frames bare, add some colorful construction paper as backing to standard or black and white photos.
2. Colorblock Shelves To The Rescue
Whether in the living room, library or bedroom, organizing shelving items by hue will liven up all plain old built-ins.
3. Don’t Combat- Contrast!
Those pesky neutrals mentioned before? Use them to their fullest potential! Contrast a bright color with a neutral for dramatic yet balanced style.
4. Scrounge Up Some Colorful Flooring
Who says only walls or accessories can provide a burst of color? Technicolor rugs and flooring can liven up even the most bland rooms.
5. Stick To A Favorite!
Whether cerulean calls or bright green beckons, utilizing the color in a few key places will definitely catch the eye.
Check out more ways to revamp old spaces at Chicago Handyman’s Idea Corner!
April 21, 2015 in Tech Toybox
Whether you’re on a camping trip, sharing a room with a light sleeper or just looking to make your lighting just a little more eco-friendly, LittleSun’s Solar Power Lantern can work for anyone’s lifestyle.
Safer and more efficient than a flame lantern, LittleSun’s lantern only requires 4 hours of sunlight to produce 5 hours of LED lighting. It also provides 10 times more light than a traditional wick lantern.
Check out this power and earth saving lantern today!
April 20, 2015 in Idea Corner
Everyone knows the struggle: too many picture frames, not enough photos. After all, why print out those memories when there’s the instant gratification of Facebook and Instagram likes and comments? Well, struggle no more! Get ready to put those picture frames to use with these frame shelves.
Start by removing the glass, backing and hardware from all the frames intended for this project. Next, gather some 1×4 boards and cut them to size to make the sides of the the shelving box.
To form the box, add lines of Gorilla glue to each side and nail each side together. Then apply wood glue to the back of the frame and lay it on top of the box. Nail 1 1/4″ nails through the frame and into the box to secure the shelf together.
Before painting the shelf to match the frame, fill any holes with wood filler. Use spray paint to apply the shelving’s coat of paint.
When dry, adhere at least 3 command strips to the back of each shelve.
Lastly, hang them on the desired wall. Enjoy these stylish and eco-friendly shelves in any home today!
For a more comprehensive overview of the frame shelve project, check out Shanty 2 Chic.
April 17, 2015 in Idea Corner
Chicago Handyman has shown step-by-step guides for headboards and other bedroom improvements, and now it’s time for another bedroom improvement project: a fashionable, affordable canopy bed.
The supplies for this project should cost no more than $10:
For starters, unscrew the embroidery hoop and discard the inner ring. Follow this by sliding the curtain panels onto the hoop and screwing the embroidery hoop back together.
Now take the ribbon and tie it in a double-knot at each side where there are gaps between the curtain panels. Then tie the loose ends together in a bow.
Finally comes the hard part, screw the pot rack into the ceiling. Make sure that the pot-rack in secure and slip the center of the bow over the hook to hang it.
When all the steps are completed, any bedroom will look much more glamorous and be turned into the ultimate oasis.
For a complete overview and other canopy bed ideas, check out DIY roundup.