Any homeowner wants a patio that looks extravagant, that too without having to spend a penny.

While an elegant patio is necessarily an expensive venture, it does require an eye for design and aesthetic to acquire the most appeal. You can easily convert any forgotten backyard into an elegant spot where you can enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.

That’s why I’ve compiled these best DIY backyard project ideas to help you frame your patio and transform it to add to your home’s appeal.

1.     Stone Path

A backyard without a stone path is like a body without a soul. You might call that a dramatic analogy, but that’s just how crucial a stone path is to a backyard.

Are you wondering why?

Well for one, a stone path protects your grass. Do you remember intentionally trekking over your garden? Neither do we, but that’s how many times you’ve run over your grass. A stone path allows you and your guests to move through various parts of your garden without having to step on the grass itself.

Secondly, a stone path allows you to traipse through high grasses without destroying your garden, which lets you truly experience the outdoors.

2.     A Fire Pit To Cozy Things Up

A fire pit may sound like a naïve idea, but adding one to your backyard can s the mood, and make the atmosphere more homely. Who needs to go to the woods to build a campfire when you can do it at home?

Whether you buy it from a nearby store or craft yourself it yourself, a fire pit adds charm and appeal to your backyard. All you need are marshmallows and some cocoa before having your friends over.

3.     Adirondack Chairs For Added Comfort

Whenever I need to relax, I find there’s no better spot than my Adirondack chair in the backyard. It makes my backyard so much more soothing and peaceful.

If you’re looking to make your garden elegant and tranquil, Adirondack chairs are a must-have!

Coupled with some warm blankets, an afternoon nap in your personal outdoors never seemed so serene. These backyard chairs withstand harsh weathers too, which makes them a great addition to any backyard.

4.     Add Pops Of Color

Matching a modern-day barn isn’t an easy task, but you can come up with a stylish festive by using a colorful lantern collage across your backyard.

You can start off with chicken wires to form the structure’s basis. Proceed to attach your lanterns with the shipping tape.

When you do this, make sure to mix and match different lantern by their size and colors, so you get the best match for your desired aesthetic. Join the parts with the glue leaving no gaps in-between.

By the end of it, you’ll only have to tie it up using fish wire and nails – and you’re good to go!

5.     Build Your Pergola

You might find that a pergola is a costly attempt to raise the aesthetic appeal of your backyard.

While that is true to an extent, it can be pretty inexpensive if you build one on your own.

The best part? If you do decide to DIY, it’s a pretty budget-friendly project to take on. Of course, the size and dimensions will differ according to your backyard. However, you can modify the design to fit even the smallest of spaces.

Now that you have some simple DIY backyard project ideas to go on, your dream backyard isn’t too far off. These pocket-friendly ideas should help you spruce things up without breaking the bank while you’re at it.

Photo credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Nothing can beat the refreshing effect of freshly brewed coffee as it not only gets you up and moving but also sets your mood for the rest of your day.

But what if you wake up one day and find your coffee maker is not working anymore? That’s the stuff nightmares are made of.

Relax, because there’s an easy way out, and it doesn’t involve missing out on your favorite beverage. You can repair your coffee maker by following some simple yet effective DIY methods.

Easy DIY Ways To Repair Coffee Maker

Repairing your coffee maker is no rocket science. In fact, most coffee maker repairs techniques are easy to apply and involve fundamental tools, such as screwdrivers, multi-meters, etc.

Here are some of the common issues you can face with your coffee maker, alongside simple DIY methods to repair them:

Check The Knobs!

I’ll tell you exactly what my father says every time I ask him to repair my coffee maker: “Did you check the knob?”

If your coffee maker doesn’t turn on, chances are the problem lies with the knob, i.e., the dial.

To test the knob, switch off your unit and remove the cover. Then, if you find your coffee maker’s knob lopsided, adjust it. Or, if it is defective, consider replacing it.

Unscrew the knob and change it with a new one – and your coffee maker is good to go!

Maybe It’s The Broken Power Cord?

If the knob works fine, look into the power cord of your coffee maker. Over time, the wire connection is subject to wear and tear, which may result in inadequate electrical supply.

Much like any other electrical appliance, this is one of the most common issues faced by coffee makers.

To change cords, toss your unit upside down and remove the screws first. The power cord is attached with a clip; if you want a better view of it, pull it out.

Now, after you have detached the power cord, trim the wire where it is connected with the board and rotate it onto your new cable.

Faulty Switches

Another problem that plagues coffee makers is faulty switches. The buttons on the outside don’t synchronize with the internal switches – depriving you of your fine morning espresso.

To set the switch problem straight, take out the carafe and reverse it upside down. Try different power switches within the available connections and attach them back.

Heated Fuses

When you’re tired and fatigued, you simply can’t go on anymore without some rest. The same is with your coffee maker: it stops working if it becomes too hot.

Thermal fuses block your coffee maker’s power flow when overheated, to avoid damage to the core components of the machine.

To replace it, open the unit to get a better view of heated parts, and use a multi-meter to ensure that the fuses are working fine. Replace them if necessary.

Broken Control Board

There might be a minor issue with the control board that is easily fixable if you just look into it calmly.

Let’s walk you through each step.

Your coffee maker’s control board has many components that can break down easily.

To detach the board from the maker, carefully flip the unit and remove screws. You’ll set the board securely in place with screws and a bracket. Disconnect the wire assembly from the board and connect the new one.

Change control board components with the screws and a bracket and reassemble your coffee maker. And you’re done.

A Defective Thermostat

If everything works and your coffee maker continues to act up, the problem may very well lie with a defective thermostat.

Thermostats are small white devices within your maker, attached with a metal clip. Use your screwdriver to remove the clip.

In case thermostat wires are fastened, a new terminal end will be required to connect the new device with the current set of cables. Trim the wires and fold them back in the terminal ends.

Don’t forget to attach the metal clip back to keep the thermostat secure.

 

There you have it – some basic DIY repair techniques to fix coffee maker. So next time you face a problem, don’t let it ruin your morning. All you need are a few tools, and you can go back to enjoying your coffee just the way you like it!  But remember, if these ideas don’t work, it’s best to see your local technician and have them fix your coffee machine.

Photo credit: Aleksandra Suzi/Shutterstock

Discovering a dent, scuff mark, or a scratch on your vehicle can be downright frustrating. It can happen for many reasons; chief among them are car accidents, parking mishaps, and vandalism.

The trouble is that paying a body shop for a new coat of car paint can be expensive, costing you hundreds of dollars to fix a seemingly minor flaw. On the other hand, the DIY route has its risks as well – using the wrong fix can further deteriorate your car’s paint job.

But don’t freak out just yet. If it’s a minor scrape or scruff, you can fix it by yourself at home. Keep reading to find out how.

At the same time, it is also essential to understand that these small touch-ups won’t work for significant nicks and abrasions. You’ll have to get professional repairs in that case.

How To Tell If A Scratch Qualifies For DIY Repair

Here’s what you need to do to tell light scratches apart from deep ones: glide a fingernail in the direction of the scratch – if the nail seamlessly glides on it without catching, the scratch can be buffed out easily.

However, if it catches the fingernail, be prepared to set aside some cash for professional repairs.

DIY Remedies For A Spotless Finish

Here we’ve listed down some quick and reliable fixes using ingredients that are most probably in your home already.

They don’t cost much either, so sourcing them won’t be a problem.

Let’s learn how to remove the scratch marks on your car with these easy, affordable ways:

1-    Shine With The Shoe Polish

Use soapy water to clean the scratched surface thoroughly, and then leave it to completely dry. Next, apply shoe polish in and around the scratched surface, be sure to get a shade darker than your car’s paint job.

The polish should fill the void left by the scratch and spread around it.

Now get some sandpaper and very gently sand down the paint in the surrounding area.  Don’t exert too much force when sanding; otherwise, you might end up making the scratch even worse.

Keep sanding until there is no polish left behind, and it all looks like one uniform color. Once done, use a soft cloth to buff the area. By now, the small scratch should have disappeared.

2-    Nail Polish That Blends In

Many car owners prefer this method as its nail polishes are available in hundreds of colors, making it possible to get a good match for your car’s paint job.

And you won’t even need to buff or sand the affected area in this case — fill the scratch with nail polish until it starts to match with its surrounding. Put another layer or two of nail polish if need be.

3-    Sand In With Toothpaste

Back when CDs and DVDs were a thing, people used to buff them with a bit of toothpaste to cover any scratches that kept them from playing smoothly.

The idea here is the same; smear some toothpaste on a soft damp cloth to effortlessly erase the minor scratches on your car. But before getting started, clean the area with soapy water and let it dry some. You don’t want to buff the dust and dirt into your paint.

Toothpaste helps even the car’s glossy sheen. It fills in the tiny microscopic dents to make the paintwork look even again.

4-    SuperGlue It

Superglue has the innate capability of smoothing itself out, filling up any tiny dents, holes or scratches that may come in its way. And since it’s transparent, color matching won’t be a problem either.

Carefully fill the scratch up with it, and then once it’s semi-dry gently sand it. In a couple of hours, the scratches will pretty much disappear and won’t be discernible to the naked eye.

What About The Deeper Scratches?

The methods mentioned above are quick remedies for light scratches, and they won’t be of much help when it comes to deep ones. However, you can give it a go and try out some of the ideas mentioned above.

But at most, these quick DIY fixes will tide you over until you bring your car over to paint professionals.

For guaranteed results, it would be best to drive down to the local garage and get experts to buff out the paint scratches and refresh your car’s paint job for the best possible solution.

Are you the family handyman? More often than not, you may family members rushing in to complain about plumbing issues.

“It won’t flush!” can be frustrating to hear. Even worse if your house only has one.

However, it’s safe to say this is an issue most households deal with. It’s also a problem that has multiple reasons behind it. Luckily, there’s quick ways you can get the toilet flush to work – without having to hire a professional.

Here are a few reasons why the toilet flush isn’t working, and how you can set it back in motion.

1.     Clogged Toilet

Most commonly, clogged toilets are a direct result of excessive toilet paper being flushed down the drain. However, if you have toddlers, you can expect to find toys along the pipe too. This blocks the pipe and prevents anything else from making it through.

How To Fix It

You can use either a toilet auger or a toilet plunger to get the job done. Check the dimensions of your toilet to find the best fit, as this will reduce splashing.

If you’re using a toilet auger, your aim should be to maneuver the obstruction through the drain. It has a long, flexible shaft which lets you push back quite far into the drain.

On the other hand, if you’re using a toilet plunger for suction, so you can remove paper waste easily.

That said, if you experience frequent clogs, we recommend simply switching to thinner toilet papers.

2.     Low Water Level In The Tank

Generally speaking, your toilet’s tank water level should be one inch down its top overflow tube. So, if you find that the water is inadequately low, you should immediately check the water valve. Chances are, it might have turned off.

How To Fix It

Turn on the water valve and monitor the tank closely to check if the water level rises back up.

Quick test run: flush the toilet to check if it’s functioning properly.

3.     Bent Flapper

Every time a flush is used, a rubber flapper discharges water into the tank and shuts the hole to prevent water intake afterwards. To break it down, it’s supposed to ensure that an adequate amount of water remains inside the tank at all times.

So, if you find that your flapper’s rubber bent or wrapped, you need to replacing it.

How To Fix It
Rubber flappers are low-cost objects, so you can easily find them at nearby hardware and DIY stores in your area.

Before you replace it, make sure to drain the entire tank drain first. Swap the new flapper with the old one and you’re good to go!

Fill the tank up, and use the flush to check if the flapper works properly.

4.     Faulty Lift Chain

A lift chain connects the rubber flapper to the flush handle. Many times, it simply stops working due to excessive slack, which stops the handle from raising the flapper. Ultimately, this cause flushing issues to arise.

How To Fix It

Alter the length of the lift chain and make it shorter. This way, the chain gives adequate pull to lift the flapper from the tube and allows an uninterrupted water flow.

 

If you notice any of problems mentioned above, try to fix them as soon as possible. Delaying them will only worsen the problem and cost you hard-earned dollars in hiring professional services later.

With that in mind, call a plumber for help if the problem may be more severe than these DIYs can fix.

 

We’ve all been there – standing in front of the closet on a Saturday night, digging through the drawers, and realizing in horror that… “I have nothing to wear!”

This happens despite the fact that you are always shopping, and the cupboards are overflowing with shoes, bags, and clothes – we’ve been there!

So why is it that we can’t seem to put an outfit together when push comes to shove? Why is it so hard to pick a dress? And why did you even buy something that you are dreading to wear now?

If you have the same questions nagging you, it’s time to fix your wardrobe.

From Meh To Fabulous – Top Tips To Help You Dress For Success

Updating your wardrobe may seem like a costly endeavor, but truth be told, you can do it without breaking the bank. Here’s how:

1.     Get Your Dresses Tailored

Clothes you buy may not be meant for your body type. If your closet is filled with clothes that are either too tight or loose, take them to your tailor to have them altered.

In short, you don’t have to spend money on an entirely new wardrobe. Just make what you have work for you.

2.     Get The Right Accessories

Accessorizing with jewelry, scarves, bags, and shoes can breathe a new life into your appearance.

You can make any dress stand out with the right type of accessories such as a watch, a fancy belt buckle, and more! Pick something not too pricy and versatile enough to go well with several styles of clothing.

3.     Check Out Your Local Flea Markets Or Thrift Stores

Buying fancy clothes from high-end brands can get expensive. We recommend visiting your nearest flea market or thrift store to buy wardrobe staples such as jeans, trousers, skirts, jackets, shirts, t-shirt, and other necessary items in tan, black, white, and colors that go with everything.

4.     Buying Shoes Can Be Expensive

With a little bit of TLC, it is possible to have your favorite pair of shoes last for ages – so don’t throw away your old shoes just yet.

Take them to a cobbler first to find out if there is a way to salvage them. They are professionals who know just how to restore the good looks of your heels, boots, pumps, and wedges, etc.

5.     Follow Fashion Bloggers Online

There are thousands of fashion bloggers online – each with their unique styles, budgets, and wardrobe suggestions. So there’s something for everyone.

Find your kind of fashion bloggers on YouTube and Instagram and get inspired to be in style without compromising on your individuality.

6.     Get Creative

If you have a wardrobe filled with dresses that you no longer use, how about mixing and matching the pieces and coming up with something new?

This is an excellent way of achieving a bolder and more beautiful look without spending money.

In fact, here’s a quick exercise to spark your creativity: turn to your closet and close your eyes, now grab something randomly. Now your challenge is to make that piece of clothing work with your outfit. Find a way to wear it and work it!

7.     Give Away What’s Left Behind

Having a clean wardrobe can do wonders for you – you’ll have a smaller selection to work with, so hopefully, you’ll get dressed faster as a result of it.

Besides, unused clothes and accessories are just distractions that get in the way when you are just trying to make some wise wardrobe choices.

We recommend you to donate them to the less fortunate, instead of letting them gather dust in your closet.

Now that you know how to dress up even in a ‘nothing-to-wear’ crisis, it’s time to put these tips to the test.

Let us know how your wardrobe has evolved over the years, and what you do to keep your dress choices fresh all year round.