diy Archives - Serendipity Mommy

Champagne Tastes: How to Create a Luxury Bath for Less

December 23, 2019 by Mandy

You stare at your bathroom in disappointment. You just got back from vacation and the differences between your bath and the hotel are astounding. Time to redo your bathroom.

The problem is that you don’t have a lot of money to turn your bathroom into some type of luxury resort. What if we told you there are plenty of ways to get the look you want on a budget that’s friendly to your wallet?

To create a luxury bath for less all you need is a few basic tools, a device that can pull up DIY tutorials, and a dream. Keep reading for a few ideas on how to get started.

1. Use Light-Colored Paints

The most basic trick you can do to add a bit of class to your bathroom is to slap on a new coat of paint. When you’re at the store picking out colors, always go for lighter ones. Painting your bathroom white and splurging on white accessories to go with it will get you that hotel resort look.

White is also a godsend for smaller bathrooms because it makes them look much larger then they are. The only problem with white is that it may make your bathroom look a little too cold.

If that’s your fear then you can use gray instead. Gray will go with about every fixture and countertop in your bathroom. Especially wood.

If you want a color that will make your bathroom look more like a spa then light aqua and blues will be the way to go.

2. Tile Diagonally

Another way to open up space and make your small bathroom look larger is by tiling diagonally. It will also add a little bit of texture and interest to an otherwise dull space.

Now, we know what you’re thinking, tile is expensive. You can get off a lot cheaper if you buy the tile and do it yourself if you feel comfortable. There are plenty of tutorials you can look at online.

3. Use Plants

You’d be amazed at what adding a little plant life can do for your bathroom. Plants are colorful and add an interesting visual piece. Due to the fact that they draw the eye, they have the potential to make your bathroom look a little larger.

They also act as great natural air fresheners. You may feel a bit weird about putting live plants in your bathroom because of the heat and humidity.

Rest assured there are some plants that actually thrive in bathrooms. Boston ferns, aloe vera, and orchids are all great choices.

4. Classy Containers

Keeping your handsoap in the container it came in doesn’t have the same flair as using a glass handpump. This can be said about most soaps and products that live on your bathroom counter.

Consider purchasing fancier containers and putting all your products in those. You can find tons of these gorgeous glass containers on Amazon or even at a dollar store.

5. Open Shelves

Having a bunch of stuff scattered all over your bathroom counters isn’t a good look. You can clear up some space by adding in open shelves. This will allow you to fully utilize your vertical storage space.

It also gives you a place to display those plants we were talking about and any other pieces of interest you have for that matter.

6. Paint Your Furniture

Flea markets and thrift stores are goldmines when it comes to finding furniture for your bathroom. Thing is, sometimes it doesn’t always go with the overall bathroom theme you’re going with. Either, that or they look a bit dingy.

One way to spruce up these fixer-uppers is to paint them. All it takes is a fresh coat of paint to turn an old dresser into a beautiful vanity.

7. Get New Towels

Buying new towels is most likely the easiest thing you can do to freshen up your bathroom. You can find a wide array of inexpensive embroidered towels with colorful trim.

When you’re looking around for towels make sure you consider material. You can get regular cotton towels or you could get Turkish ones that are much softer and have more of a luxurious feel. Treat your self.

8. Unique Mirror

A bathroom is nothing without a mirror. The larger the better. Not only do big mirrors catch the eye but they make any space they’re in look much larger.

Consider getting one that’s a unique color or shape to add even further visual interest. If the only mirror you can find is a rough edge one, you can put a frame around it. A frame will add a little touch of class while protecting the mirror.

9. Replacing Your Countertops

Lastly, it’s time to freshen up your countertops. We’ve got plenty of bathroom countertop ideas that can help you out here. For one, look around for special offers from your nearest hardware stores.

Countertop materials will get pretty expensive otherwise. Having someone come in to install the material can be equally as expensive. If you feel comfortable you can look up a tutorial and do a DIY to add on to your savings.

Creating a Luxury Bath for Less in Your Home

Do you want to turn your bathroom into something out of a hotel brochure? Creating this look doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think. Use some of the tips you read here today to create a luxury bath for less and get the relaxation you deserve.

Did this article help you create the bathroom that you’ve always wanted? Check out our blog daily for even more helpful tips and tricks.

DIY Home Repairs: Why You Should Always Leave Home Damage to the Professionals

October 11, 2019 by Mandy

As a responsible homeowner, your to-do list seems to go on forever. There’s always another repair or maintenance project that needs to be done.

Consider the following statistic regarding homeowners throughout the United States. It indicates the average homeowner spends one to four percent of the home’s overall value on home improvement every single year.

That can add up to a lot of money. That might be why you like the idea of DIY home repairs if possible. You’d rather avoid hiring someone else for your home improvement projects.

Still, some home damage is not worth trying to handle on your own. This is true, in particular, when it comes to severe structural damage from a natural disaster or something.

The good news, though, is you’ve come to the right place by reading this article. Detailed below is everything about why it’s best to hire professional home repair services.

Consider the Long-Term Cost of Doing an Improper Home Repair

You probably want to handle your home repair project to save some money. It’s true that investing in professional home repair services can get expensive. Still, investing in those professional services is a worthwhile endeavor.

Consider the long-term effects of mishandling a home repair project. You might tackle that project on your own, thinking you’re saving money. It’s possible, though, that you only worsen the issue since you’re not experienced with these projects.

As a result, you’ll only be costing yourself even more money in the long run. Instead of taking that financial risk, leave it to the professionals right off the bat. That way, you can trust that the home repair is done properly the first time.

DIY Home Repairs Put Yourself and Others at Risk

One of the key reasons to avoid handling home repairs on your own is for your own safety. It’s an unfortunate truth that many home improvement projects can be dangerous. This is true, in particular, when the person doesn’t know what he or she is doing.

For example, it’s dangerous to try and trim tree branches by yourself. That’s why professional tree trimming services exist in the first place.

Instead of putting yourself or others in danger, leave it to the professionals. That way, you can trust that they have a better idea of what they’re doing while avoiding injuries, too. You and your family should remain safely out of the way.

It’s No Secret – Home Improvement Projects Are Stressful

At the end of the day, you and your family want to live in a comfortable, secure environment. You already work a full-time job. It’s understandable that having to handle home repair projects on top of that can be stressful.

Don’t underestimate the value of convenience when it comes to home repairs, then. Save yourself the headache of handling these projects by relying on professionals, instead. After all, that’s what they deal with on a regular basis.

Plus, many times, home repair projects can put a strain on relationships. Avoid that stress, then, by hiring someone else to deal with it on your behalf.

Some Home Repair Projects Can Be Covered by Insurance

There’s another significant perk to relying on professional home repair services. In some cases, the cost of those services could be covered by your insurance company.

This is true, for the most part, in many cases of home damage from natural disasters. If your home is experiencing severe structural damage from a major storm, for instance, check your insurance policy. It might be the case that your home repair project is entirely covered.

If it is, this alleviates the concern of spending your hard-earned money on a home repair project. For more specific details, check out more information on property damage claims to see if you may be eligible.

Professionals Will Have All of the Necessary Tools and Equipment

Many home repair projects require specific tools and equipment. This is yet another reason to rely on professionals to handle the project on your behalf. They have everything necessary to complete the project.

For example, it’s not likely that you have a large set of plumbing tools. A professional plumbing service, though, will be sure to have everything needed to get your home in working order again.

It’s true that you can go out and buy those tools and equipment on your own. Still, if you’re going to spend that money anyway, why not spend it on a plumbing service? That’s why it’s worthwhile to invest in professional labor to handle your home repair projects.

Establish a Long-Term Relationship with Your Professional Home Repair Service

As mentioned above, you have a lot of responsibilities as a homeowner. There will always be another repair or maintenance project for you to handle.

When you hire professional home repair services, then, you’re establishing a long-term relationship. By working with those services, you’ll get insight as to whether you can trust them for future projects. That way, you can give them a call the next time you need something repaired around the house.

Continue Investing in Your Ideal Home and Lifestyle

At this point in the article, you have a thorough understanding of why it’s best to avoid DIY home repairs. It’s understandable that DIY projects are tempting to save yourself some money. There’s no need to cut corners when it comes to your safety, though.

Plus, home repair service pros have more knowledge and expertise on the matter. You can trust these qualified professionals to complete your home repair project in an efficient and timely manner. That way, you can rely on the fact that the home repairs will stand the test of time.

After all, you deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is secure. You and your family should feel comfortable enough to live your lives with ease and fun.

In fact, that’s where this website can come into play. We prioritize bringing our readers the latest and greatest advice in maintaining beneficial lifestyle habits. For that reason, we encourage you to browse through the rest of our website for more guidance on making the most of the rest of your life.

Up Your Curb Appeal: 8 DIY Home Projects to Spruce up an Outdoor Space

June 20, 2019 by Mandy

In 2000, the DIY market worldwide reached an astonishing $377 billion.

Tackling your own home projects is a great way to save money while improving appeal and functionality. Whilst many of us are happy to take on a DIY project indoors, there’s plenty to be said for taking your DIY skills outside too.

There are some fairly simple DIY home projects that you can take on which will help to spruce up your outdoor space. With a little investment and your DIY know-how, you’ll have your exterior looking like new.

Read on as we look at eight outdoor DIY projects you should consider.

1. Creative Lighting

If you want to get the most out of your outdoor space then you need to be sure you can use it morning, noon, and night.

Adding some lighting to your outdoor area is an incredibly simple DIY project, but one that can have a huge impact on the curb appeal of your home. A string of lights can be particularly effective; you get all the impact of downlighting without a ceiling in sight.

You could also consider installing some solar-powered lamps. You can find these types of lights relatively cheaply and they’re extremely simple to install. Once in place, you don’t have to worry about providing power; you can just enjoy watching them light up as the sun goes down.

2. Perfect Your Planters

Plants and flowers are a perfect way to give your outdoor areas a splash of color. Whether you’ve got decking, lawn, or a paver patio, planters are a great choice for fuss-free foliage.

Instead of just buying some planters, however, consider building some of your own. Constructing your own planter is a fairly simple job, and you can let your imagination go wild. Try being creative with ideas such as tiered planters or even planters that you can hang up.

You can also turn pretty much anything into a makeshift planter, from old toolboxes to mason jars.

3. Ring of Fire

There’s nothing like the beauty of a real fire. Why should that gorgeous glow be confined to the indoors?

Building a firepit is a great DIY project to take on. There are plenty of guides online to take you through the whole process step by step. And there’s nothing quite like basking in the glow of fire pit that you’ve built with your own two hands.

Once completed, you’ll have a real talking point as well a way to enjoy your outdoor space all year round.

4. Refinish Your Fencing

This is a simple job, but one that can make a huge difference to the look of your outdoor area.

Fencing that hasn’t been treated for some time can look old and weary. Clean it off with a stiff brush, then apply a waterproof stain. You’ll soon have fencing that looks as good as new.

If you have wooden decking, be sure that you give it the same treatment. You can buy a dedicated deck cleaner to help you with the first phase of the job.

5. Hone Your House Number

When people visit your home, one of the first things they’ll see is your house number.

If you want to up the curb appeal, try creating a stylish house number that will help you to stand out from the crowd. One popular idea is to use the first initial of your family’s name as a background onto which you can fix the numbers. You can then add any additional decorative features that you want.

Not only will it look great, but will also ensure that you don’t end up getting your neighbor’s mail by mistake.

6. Gazebo For Your Grill

What’s the point of a gazebo? Well, how about to keep you covered when you’re fulfilling the important tasking of tending the grill?

A gazebo over your grill means that you’re protected from the elements as you work on cooking the perfect burger. There are plenty of DIY construction kits for building a gazebo, or if you’re really feeling adventurous you could try building one from scratch.

The beauty is that you can leave your grill where it is, safe in the knowledge that it’s protected from rain or snow.

7. Cut a Rug

If you’ve got a paver patio, try sprucing it up by adding an outdoor rug.

You could buy a rug specifically designed for this purpose. But if you’re feeling in the DIY mood then why take one of your old indoor rugs and apply some waterproof paint? You can create your own designs; you’re only limited by your imagination.

If you don’t have a paver patio, then getting one is definitely something to consider if you want to spruce up an outdoor space. Check out this article to help you decide which types of pavers to choose.

8. Put Up a Pergola

If you love the idea of enjoying the sun surround by beautiful vines, then a pergola could be just the job.

If you have a paver patio, it’s the perfect base to construct your pergola on. This is a more challenging DIY job, but once it’s complete you’ll love watching the vines slowly growing over your handiwork.

It can also provide a nice amount of shade to make your afternoons in the sun even more pleasant.

Looking for More Tips for Your DIY Home Projects?

If you want more tips and advice for your DIY home projects then we’re here to help.

We have a wide range of articles covering all things DIY. If you’re looking for inspiration then our articles can help you find your new favorite DIY project. We also have articles on many other subjects, including education, fashion, finance, travel, wellness, and more.

Feel free to take a look around.

Things Are Heating Up: 10 DIY Backyard Ideas For Summer 2019

June 14, 2019 by Mandy

It’s summertime and you love having fun in the sun! But when you look out into your backyard, does it seem a bit lackluster?

Don’t let a boring backyard bring on the summertime blues. Create a sunny day oasis that’s worthy of any barbecue party or stay-cation! And the best part is, you can do it all yourself.

Let’s look at 10 DIY backyard ideas that will turn it into your favorite summer destination.

1. Hang a Hammock for Midsummer Naps

Nothing says lazy summer days and relaxation quite like lounging on an outdoor hammock.

Hang a hammock between two shady trees or find a quiet corner on the patio. If you don’t have a place to hang it, you can either buy a hammock stand or build one yourself.

It’s the perfect place to read a book or simply enjoy the warm summer evening breezes.

2. Cozy up to a Fire Pit

Fire pits are one of those DIY backyard ideas that’s fun for the entire family. And it’s super easy to build!

Pick the perfect spot in your backyard and dig a hole 4’ wide by 12” deep, keeping the side walls slightly angled out. Fill the bottom of the hole with lava rocks and line the walls with fire bricks.

Cut several inches of grass away for safety then surround the rim with flat rocks.

Now it’s time for s’mores and campfire stories!

3. Tire Swing Fun

Have a spare tire laying around? Transform it into a fun backyard tire swing!

After cleaning the tire, gather the kids together and paint it any way you like. For example, paint it a favorite color, have it look like a ladybug, or a colorful rainbow.

First, prep the tire with a spray primer. Then use non-toxic outdoor paint, preferably a durable commercial grade paint. Once it’s dry, add hardware and a chain then hang it from the backyard tree.

It’s swinging fun that will last for hours!

4. Outdoor Movie Theater

A favorite DIY backyard project is setting up an outdoor movie theater.

There are several options for creating a movie screen. If you have a blank wall on the house or garage, hang a white cloth on it. If not, attach the cloth between two wooden posts or PVC piping.

You can even hang the white cloth from a rope tied between two trees (just make sure to anchor the cloth to the ground so it doesn’t flap in the breeze).

Fill large, inflatable pools with blankets and pillows for movie watching comfort. You’ve now got yourself a backyard movie theater the whole family will enjoy!

5. Dine Alfresco

Barbecues, parties, and brunch – oh my! Outdoor eating is a summertime staple.

Set up a small bistro table set under a tree for shaded brunches or a retreat with a cup of coffee. For those larger family dinners and parties, picnic tables or an outdoor dining room table on a patio does the trick.

You could also set the mood by adding string lights overhead.

Find out more barbecue kitchen must-haves here.

6. Build a Pergola

For those with a more woodworking flare, building a pergola is the DIY backyard summer project for you.

Pergola’s are great for creating a focal point in your backyard. You can build them over a patio, hot tub, or for decoration in a garden.

Give them an earthy look by growing blooming vines up the poles. Add string lights to give a patio a warm glow. Or string a canvas canopy overhead to provide needed shade.

7. Create a Water Feature for Soothing Sounds

It’s amazing how much the sound of water can help us relax and feel cooler on hot summer days. So give your backyard a DIY water feature.

Pick the perfect spot near your patio and dig a hole big enough to hold a small pond liner. Surround the edges with flat stones. Build up these stones to create a small waterfall, also using tubing and a water garden pump.

Then decorate around the pond with flowers and greenery to give it that lush feeling.

8. Outdoor Forts

Nothing is better than building a fort, no matter how old you are! And you don’t have to be a master builder to construct a cool one. There are lots of ways to build a backyard fort!

Use PVC pipes, connectors, clamps, and an outdoor cloth. That large cardboard box you don’t know what to do with could become a great fort by cutting out windows and decorating with paint. Or simply decorate up a camping tent.

Forts are all about using your imagination, so let it run wild!

9. Sandbox Sailboats

A sandbox is a fun and creative way to have your child play outdoors. But why not kick it up a notch by turning it into a DIY sandbox sailboat.

You can use any sandbox or find one that’s shaped like a boat. Secure two wooden posts to the side with a rod attached between at the top. Then drape outdoor fabric (the sail) over the rod, tying it to the ends of the sandbox with hardware and rope.

The fabric not only acts as the sail, it provides your child with shade during those sunny summer days.

10. Entertain on a Pea Gravel Patio

If you don’t have a patio to entertain on, a great DIY backyard idea is to build one! No cement pouring required.

Frame out the area you want as a patio with pressure treated 2×6’s. Then cover the inside with weed blocking fabric, securing it down with metal stakes. Then simply fill the frame in with pea gravel, raking it in until it’s even.

It’s a great place to set up a fire pit, barbecue, and outdoor dining space!

Create a Summer Destination with DIY Backyard Ideas

Get out and enjoy the outdoors. With these DIY backyard ideas, you will turn this into the best summer ever!

Want to get your hands dirty with more DIY projects? Check out all our ideas on the DIY/Home blog!

Super Cute Ideas for Your Toddler’s Bedroom

October 31, 2018 by Mandy

It probably seems like it happened overnight: your baby suddenly transformed into an energetic toddler who is walking, talking, running, laughing and getting into everything. To celebrate your happy and healthy toddler, you want to do a room makeover, transforming the original nursery into a space that is more fitting for an active young child.

Fortunately, there are a variety of ideas and themes for your toddler’s room that will look adorable while not breaking the bank. Here are a few to consider.

Idea 1: New furniture

Whether you have a young boy who is all about cars or a little girl who adores trains and dolls, every toddler’s bedroom should have an area where they can spend quality and cuddly time with you. For example, a comfy chair and sturdy ottoman is a great place to read books together.

In addition to a cozy place for snuggling, invest in some colorful fabric bins and storage cubes for your kiddo’s toys; by keeping them on the ground, you can make it easy for your little one to learn the art of cleaning up all of those cars, trains and blocks.

Finally, change out the crib for a toddler bed. They use the same sized mattress but can be dressed up with themed bedding that tends to be reasonable in price and is super cute. Take your toddler shopping and see what patterns and colors he or she might like for the bed.

Idea 2: A space-themed room

If you have a toddler who is obsessed with checking out the moon every evening, a space-themed room might be just the ticket. Shop for decals that apply to the walls and can easily be removed later in designs like planets, cute aliens, astronauts and of course, the moon. Purchase stick-on glow-in-the-dark plastic stars and decorate the ceiling with constellations and add some space-themed artwork on the wall. As Parents.com notes, keep some of the accents non-themed like solid-color sheets, pillows and rugs — this way, you can easily update the theme as your toddler gets older and his or her tastes begin to change.

Idea 3: A room ideal for a tea party

Many little girls (and boys!) love nothing more than setting up and serving a fancy tea party. If this sounds like your little one, Babble has some ideas for a tea-party-themed room complete with a table and toddler-sized chairs that are perfect for a spur-of-the-moment serving of tea and cookies. Of course, the table can also be used for coloring, blocks and other activities as well; choose a low-to-the-ground table in a neutral wood shade and make sure the chairs are capable of supporting an adult weight — you don’t want to accidentally break a chair while in the middle of a fancy tea party. For the walls, stick-on decals can create a lovely flower garden accented with birds. You can also paint one wall a vivid shade like a deep pink or bright green to complement the bedding.

It may be hard to believe, but before you know it you will be redecorating the room again with a big boy or girl bed and other accessories. But for now, you are happy to transform your nursery into a cute and welcoming place for your toddler to play, sleep and cuddle with you.