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Share ideas and learn about the latest in home improvement and décor from Tom and Leslie.

Money Pit Blogs

Make Your Bathroom Safer

Fri, 01/07/2011 - 10:09 - Leslie Segrete

January is Bath Safety Month.  Yes, I know -- there seems to be a month devoted to awareness for just about every problem.  But this one actually deserves a little attention.  Falls at home injure millions of Americans every year, but here are simple things you can change inexpensively in your...

Ask Your Electrician for These Outlet Upgrades

Mon, 01/03/2011 - 11:44 - Tom Kraeutler

Got an electrician coming out to the house sometime soon?  Make a note to kill several electric birds with one stone.  While he or she is there, have your electrician make these relatively easy upgrades to your home electric outlets:

-- Raise some outlets.  It helps keep them out of reach of...

Kill Germs in Your Washing Machine

Thu, 12/23/2010 - 12:05 - Leslie Segrete

Did you know that your washing machine might not be washing the germs out of your family’s clothes? 

Over time, washing machines can become contaminated with bacteria, potentially leaving millions of germs behind in your laundry.

To correct this problem, run the washer without clothes using...

Your Clutter Helps Habitat for Humanity

Mon, 12/20/2010 - 01:00 - Tom Kraeutler

Looking to clean out that clutter, donate to charity and maybe even find a great deal on that kitchen sink you've been looking for?  Look no further than DiggersList and the Habitat for Humanity Re-Stores.

DiggersList is a website of home improvement classified ads, and it's giving Americans an...

Natural, Non-toxic Wood Stains from Coffee, Berries and More

Thu, 12/16/2010 - 07:00 - Leslie Segrete

If you’re looking for a natural, non-toxic wood stain, you might want to raid your kitchen. 

- Coffee, tea and black walnut hulls can be steeped to make a concentrated solution that case be used as a stain. 

- Black raspberries are an effective wood stain when crushed and then rubbed onto...

Tips for Seasonal Fireplace Maintenance

Mon, 12/13/2010 - 11:57 - Tom Kraeutler

Make sure your fireplace is in tip-top shape this winter to keep your home and family safe.  Follow these tips for thorough seasonal fireplace maintenance:

-  Check your flue, damper and firebox for creosote build-up.  Creosote is highly combustible and can lead to a dangerous chimney...

Tips for Fixing Holiday Lights

Thu, 12/09/2010 - 11:47 - Leslie Segrete

Don’t you hate it when you finally get all the lights strung and plug them in – ready for the big Ta-Da! – but all you get is a big WAH-wahhhhhh?

Or what about when you realize the lights you put up that once worked, suddenly don’t? 

Don’t stress yet.  There are a few things you can do to fix...

Sidewalk Salt Mixture That

Mon, 12/06/2010 - 09:45 - Tom Kraeutler

When snow and ice become a seasonal reality, salting your sidewalks may seem like a necessary evil.  Sure, it helps melt winter ice and snow, but the wrong kind can cause concrete surfaces to disintegrate. 

To keep your walkways in great shape year-round, choose salt made from potassium...

Beware! Chemical De-Icers are Hazardous to Pets

Thu, 12/02/2010 - 11:34 - Leslie Segrete

If you have pets, harsh chemical de-icers can be hazardous.  Not only could their delicate paws get a chemical burn from a chemical de-icing product, but pets can even be poisoned if they lick de-icer from their paws.

You can protect your furry friends by choosing a pet-safe de-icing product...

Tips for Selecting a Long-Lasting Christmas Tree

Thu, 11/25/2010 - 11:20 - Leslie Segrete

In the market for a fresh-cut Christmas tree?  When you head out on the hunt for that perfect annual pine, keep these tips in mind:

-- Before leaving home, remember to measure the space for your tree BOTH horizontally AND vertically – and bring the tape measure with you to the tree farm!  The...