I still have sap on my hands from making the MyFixitUpLife “tree.” I borrowed an idea from timberframers who nail a tree branch to the frame as they build it, in honor of the trees that supplied the wood for the home. In some ways it is emblematic of those who won’t be with us [...]
Holiday Hot Water
December 21, 2011 By 18 Comments
Question: Here come the holidays and at my house that means lots of overnight family and guests, meals — and lots dishwasher loads and showers. Last year, I tried timing the dishwasher runs when I knew no one was showering or about to shower. But then one day I opened the dishwasher in mid cycle [...]
Snow Removal
November 30, 2011 By 23 Comments
After a big snowstorm I have to admit, I kind of like to get out there and get after it. There’s more than a little joy in using the snow-thrower and maybe a little primeval need that gets met from digging out. However, there’s only so much throwing and digging I’m interested in doing, so [...]
FixitUpFind: The Snow Wovel
November 28, 2011 By 90 Comments
The Snow Wovel—or walking snow shovel—is a contraption of sorts. It looks like a combination between an old fashioned bicycle with the huge front wheel, a giant shovel scoop, and a trebuchet. Odd though it may be, however, it appears to work for removing copious amounts of snow—then ejecting it a few feet beyond the [...]
Winter Weather Tips
November 22, 2011 By 14 Comments
I like winter. I like snow. I like the opportunity to use my snow thrower. However, I could live without some of the damage winter weather can cause, notably to my vehicle. I drive a 4-wheel drive and my wife drives an all-wheel drive, so when it snows, we can leave the house. But, so [...]
Regulate Hot-Water Temperature
November 20, 2011 By 39 Comments
From the Pegboard: I bought a home that was flipped, and unfortunately a lot of the work was done by the previous homeowner. Of course we had the house inspected, but now realize that really doesn’t mean a lot. After watching Mike Holmes, you realize how slack some inspectors can be. I realize this isn’t [...]
Pick Up Leaves Easily
November 19, 2011 By 3 Comments
So I’m a DIY guy. And while cutting tight miters, dialing in a tile project, running awesome roof shingles or building outdoor projects is my bag, I like the maintenance aspect too. Cutting grass, planting flowers, and…wait…NOT raking leaves. I’ve hated it since I was a kid. And even more when I landscaped for a [...]
FixitUp Fitness: DIY Pull-Up Bar
November 19, 2011 By 28 Comments
Health and fitness is an important part of life at MyFixitUpLife. And as much as we like to stay fit, trust me—despite the fact that I actually practice crossing my fingers for this, my Nike endorsement deal doesn’t seem to be working out—we have time issues like everybody else. With two kids, travel and work, [...]
Tile Saw QuickTip: Drip Loop
November 18, 2011 By 8 Comments
Here’s a Quick Tip for operating your tile saw safely that BATH-Tastic Bath Crasher Matt Muenster would like: add a drip-loop to the cord so any over-spray from the saw that might get on the cord actually falls away to the ground before finding its way to the electrical device. See, water is a cohesive [...]
Roof Question
November 17, 2011 By 33 Comments
Question: I need a new roof on my house. And even though I do a lot of projects myself, a roof is too much. So since I’m paying for it, my question is: Can you get a better deal on replacing your roof in fall or spring? Or does it make no difference? Answer: My [...]
