DIY Fire Pit Seating

outdoor stools header

DIY Bonfire Pit Stool Cushions

We always run into this problem of not having enough seating around the bonfire. We have a handful of beach chairs on hand, but when we have an impromptu fire night, we’re left scrambling. I think I stumbled on the perfect solution. And they are actually comfortable! I plan to make a whole bunch more.

Continue Reading

Wood Ceiling Beam Straps

DIY faux wood ceiling beam straps brackets

 

DIY Faux Ceiling Beams Straps

Getting creative with our fake ceiling beams, we wanted to find a way to make them look more like the real deal. So we engineered some metal straps/brackets out of cleats. We’re so happy with the outcome, and even more happy to say the ceiling beams are totally complete. Function meets fashion all the way. To recap, this is the final post out of a three-part tutorial on our faux barn wood ceiling beams. To see how we made and installed the ceiling beams, check out these posts 🙂

Continue Reading

Easy DIY Thanksgiving Tablescape

easy DIY thanksgiving centerpiece header

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Well, our fourth annual Friendsgiving was a great success. I’ve been full for three days straight. And there’s still a week of great eats ahead of us! If you’re looking for a unique and creative tablescape idea, here’s a good one. If you’ve got some basic tools, 10 minutes and a few candles at home, you’ll be set. And it won’t cost a penny.

Continue Reading

A Zamboni for Pond Hockey

…Or lake hockey.

DIY zamboni

Right after the first snowfall Joe was looking for deals on hockey nets. And it’s about time we got some snow! Everyone has been waiting on edge to get out there.

We have a pretty slick four-wheeler plow attached to the front Joe’s dad’s four-wheeler that we use to shovel the driveway. Wayyy faster than snowblowing. So we used that to shovel off an oval-shaped area for the rink on the lake, just offshore.

But when Joe told me he was making a zamboni, I honestly thought the idea was one big joke. He’s not actually serious, right? Silly me. I should know better by now… He already had the blueprints in his mind within minutes. So, now we have a redneck ice resurfacer.

The Supplies

It only took him 4 hours. Here’s the materials you will probably need:

Continue Reading

Hot Tub Speakers

how to install hot tub speakers

 Turn Down For What?

What, the neighbors called? Oh ok, we better turn down.

In full disclosure, we did this way back in October. Some of the details of the process are a bit fuzzy in my memory, but I’m sure Joe could replicate it in his sleep. This is by far one of the most-used spaces of the house (yard). So the speakers were a huge upgrade.

If anyone wants to listen to music outside, they only need to bluetooth their phone or mp3 player to the sound system. You can even leave the phone indoors — safe from the water. Volume control is an arm’s length away. Nice for the wintertime. We did this all in one night, so bare with me on the documentation. Should have taken notes, goshdangnit!

pyle 400 watt outdoor waterproof speakers

Started with a standard outdoor pair of speakers.

Continue Reading

Girl’s Workbench

Tool Bench Graphic

Showin’ Some Love

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, let me share some of the amazingly sweet things Joe does for me on a regular basis:

  • Starts my car when it’s cold
  • Makes me [the best] homemade soup when I’m sick
  • Listens to all my ideas,  even  especially the crazy ones
  • Charges my phone first when we’re down to one charger
  • Asks my opinion
  • Gives me 100+ kisses per day

The list goes on.  I’m allowed to brag about him today, it’s in the Valentine’s Day code.

Continue Reading

Movie Theater – Phase One

Theater Soffits graphic

What do all legendary theaters have?

a) marquee

b) big screen

c) epic movies

d) great lighting

e) popcorn

f) all of the above
Continue Reading

Thanks

Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving has come and gone!  Although only one day of the year is officially sanctioned as “Thanksgiving,” we believe in gratitude all year ’round. We’re blessed to have amazing family which we see on a regular basis. Not just once or twice a year.

We started the day bright ‘n’ early with a 5k run. The Run for Raz shirts are in honor of Joe’s aunt who lost her battle with cancer a few years ago. She was a high school track coach, so this year everyone decided to do a 5k on Thanksgiving morning.

Continue Reading