Replacing a toilet seat

This is so simple and takes no [...]]]> Want to update your bathroom with a huge remodeling project? With a few simple updates you can change your old outdated bathroom to something more eye appealing. And the best part is you can do it all yourself with little to no cost!

Replacing a toilet seat

This is so simple and takes no time at all. If your toilet works just fine, but your toilet seat is outdated or worn out, a quick swap can really improve things. Start by removing the old seat by using a deep well socket to unscrew the bolt. A little WD-40 can help to loosen things up if needed. Line up the new toilet seat and bolt into place. And you are done!

Replace your shower head

Having a great shower head can make taking a shower a whole new experience. Find one that fits what you have been dreaming of, whether it’s one that creates a waterfall effect, or one with a hand held shower head. Typically replacing your shower head is as easy as unscrewing the old one and screwing on the new one! And for added benefit, pick one that saves on water.

Update your hardware

Updating your towel holders, soap dishes and toilet paper holder can really add a whole new look to a bathroom. Outdated hardware can make your bathroom look like it’s from the 1970s so pick new hardware that is modern and fits the overall look of the bathroom. Replacing hooks and towel holders is an easy DIY project as long as you know how. Many of these don’t have exposed screws, but they do have a tiny screw underneath each side that needs to be removed in order to lift off the wall mount.

Get new towels

And this includes bath mats, shower curtains and window curtains. Updating all these things can change the color scheme all together. Just make sure if you aren’t going to repaint that you pick colors and patterns that compliment the existing wall color. Bathrooms look best in neutral colors, or lighter shades of blues, greens and yellows.

Between the two of us we’ve come up with some great tips for packing and ways to make unpacking easier for the next semester.  

I’ve found labels are a great idea [...]]]> My daughter just cleaned out her dorm room for the semester and everything is back in its assigned storage area in the basement.

Between the two of us we’ve come up with some great tips for packing and ways to make unpacking easier for the next semester.  

I’ve found labels are a great idea and save headaches later.   Document each box’s contents clearly with large labels – be very specific to avoid digging through boxes.  This can help during the unpacking process and make it easier to unpack the more important items first.

Suggestions on packing the following items:

• Bedding, towels, etc.  Launder prior to storage and put the clean items into large clear plastic bags and put a scented sachet or cedar block into the bags to keep them fresh.  Tip: the bags that bedding come in are ideal for storage of these items.  When you initially unpack the new dorm room bedding save that bag!
• Refrigerator.  Clean out the unit thoroughly – I use a baking soda-dish soap solution.  Leave the door open for a few days to allow it to dry completely, then shut tightly and put it back into its original box (if you saved it) or into a clean trash bag.  Note: if you have smaller children make sure they can’t get to the refrigerator.  It may be dorm-sized, but kids will find trouble if you let them – lock it away!
• Microwave:  Clean thoroughly, you can use the same baking soda-dish soap solution.    Store in a box, ideally the original packaging.
• Mirrors, TVs, electronics, etc.  These items are both bulky and delicate, and need to be stored carefully so they don’t break while stored.   If you can get your hands on the packing blankets movers use, great.  If not, get some bubble wrap or old towels and wrap the items and secure with packing tape.  It’s a good idea to save the packaging for TVs and any other electrical appliances for easier storage.
• Unused toiletries and laundry supplies.  If there’s large amounts of soap, shampoo, etc. pack them up in a plastic storage bin.   Use a smaller bin that your teen can use in their dorm room as the storage place for these items.  A great idea over the summer – stock up during sales on the items your teen uses and store in the bin.
• Printer, scanner, and any other large electronics.  Pack these items with lots of packing bubbles or paper.  Mark the boxes with “this side up” so they won’t be jostled around.
• Extension cords.  These are so much easier to use when they are neatly tied!  Store them all in a box or bag inside the TV box or electronics boxes.

A “me first” box is always a good idea, put in everything you need to get started before you unpack the first box:

• An extension cord
• Scissors and tape
• A hammer for raising/lowering the bed
• Philips and flat head screwdrivers   (Tip: invest in a small tool kit for the dorm room)
• Lysol cleaning wipes (and baby wipes for your hands)
• Air freshener
• Batteries – for the TV remote or any electronics that will be used

Now that everything is tucked away, enjoy your summer break!

Do you have any other tips you would like to share?  Leave us a comment!

Here are some strategies to help you save at the grocery store.

Make a list: If you want to [...]]]> Groceries can be one of the biggest monthly expenses in a family’s budget. It seems the prices just keep going up and up but there are ways to slim down your weekly grocery bill.

Here are some strategies to help you save at the grocery store.

Make a list: If you want to avoid impulse make a list and stick to it. If you don’t have a list you will buy items that you simply do not need. You may also forget to purchase the items you need causing unnecessary trips back to the store.

Look for expiration dates:  Avoid buying items that will go bad quickly. Pay attention to expiration dates especially on things like milk, meat, eggs, and yogurt.

Look for meat markdowns: Butchers mark down their meat either early in the morning or in the evening saving you 30 to 60 percent. If you ask most butchers will tell you when they mark down their meat.

Buy in bulk: When you find things like cereals, tinned goods, rice, beans, pasta, coke, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, toilet paper etc. on sale buy in bulk. You might also want to shop at warehouse stores for these items.

Buy generic: Generic store brands can save you money. Most generics are just like or very close to the name brand product without the hefty price tag.