Home & Garden Blog » Home Improvement

If you live in New England, you don’t need a pressure washer or anything to get in those tough-to-reach places on your home’s roof and shingling–the blistering cold and the constant downpour of rain will keep everything from sticking to the roof and hanging around outside. But if you’re from anywhere else, the fall means a build up of leaves and dead foliage, sometimes even (horrifically) dead animals, so it’s best to start cleaning it off before it gets crusted under the snow, and stays there for good.

What a dramatic beginning! Let me say as well that cleaning up the yard and the house is a perfect way to spend an autumn weekend, enjoying some of the last perfect weather where all you need is a festive sweater and tall leather boots to stay warm. So cute, so fashionable. So, where’s the pressure washer?

Smarter.com helps you find exactly what you need. Here’s some of the top pressure washers with the greatest savings:

Karcher 1850 PSI (Electric-Cold Water) Pressure Washer w/ Induction Motor: $279.99 (marked down from $350!)

Mi-T-M - JP Series 2700 PSI Cold Water Gasoline Pressure Washer: Free shipping today and over a 50% cut on the price! $1,197.50

Shop for discount pressure washers at Smarter.com.

All vacuum cleaners and floor care products are on sale today at Sears.com: Stop in to pick up your newest vacuum cleaner, dust buster, or floor scrubber entities to make your house spotless. With a variety of vacuums organized by upright, canisters, floor cleaners and sticks & handhelds, you are sure to find exactly your favorite brands and styles at the best possible prices.

Top sellers on the market:

Save $75 on the Kenmore Progressive Upright Vacuum with Inteli-Clean System, Slate Blue from Sears.com: $219.99 sale price, this upright vacuum saves your back and breaks up all your dust! With special dust filter and an infrared dirt sensor, you are getting upscale, state-of-the-art quality without breaking the bank.

Through October 31st, use a rebate to cut the price of the Electrolux ErgoRapido 2-in-1 Vacuum at Sears.com down from $109.99 to $89.99. This two-in-one combination stick and vacuum is lightweight to help you reach those tough banisters, windowsills, and tops of door frames without straining your back.

Shop for more deals on vacuum cleaners at Smarter.com.

A handyman or handywoman wouldn’t be handy if they didn’t have their tool box. Fall is a perfect time for fixing the gutter, the lawnmower, the hose, etc, anything that has to be done outside, before the fall weather sets in. So what do you need? The perfect toolkit that fits your experience, your home and the duties you need to perform.

When looking for a toolkit, you want the basic necessities: hammer, screwdriver, measuring tape, etc. From there you want to build into the three main categories: Deconstruction, Construction and Maintenance. For deconstruction, you want pliers and screwdrivers that with help you pull apart pieces that need to be rebuilt, have rusted, or need to be replaced entirely. Construction needs nails, glue, binding materials, tape, balance boards, etc. Maintenance means paint, wood finish, tarps and cover ups, etc. It bleeds into construction and deconstruction a bit, but maintenance is definitely it’s own category for those elements that need to be covered or maintained, but can’t be changed or rebuilt just yet.

Some of the top tool kits to the get the job done:

Stanley 44 Piece Tool Kit and Tool Box: $64.86

Stanley’s 65-Piece General Homeowner’s Kit: $48.00

Denali’s 115-Piece Home Repair Kit: $44.43

Shop for more affordable tool boxes at Smarter.com.

So everyone is in tough spots right now with money. I read an article this morning about how even Conde Nast’s most privileged and elite magazines, Vanity Fair and Vogue, are going to have to cut back on their thousand-dollar dinners and car service just to make the bills. If Anna Wintour has to start thinking frugally, where does that leave the rest of us? According to Washington Post-interviewed interior designer Barbara Barry, it leaves us with the simple pleasures of warm silk sheets and a beautiful cup to drink tea out of in the morning.

While the Washington Post heralds Barry as being more than an interior designer but a “life coach”, I think there is some truth to the statement that “simple pleasures” are the way to live, but I don’t think Barry coined the phrase. Simple pleasures are defined everyday by people like you who want to enjoy some special and treat themselves with small graces instead of material gluttony and excess. Look for sumptuous fabrics or blankets to make you feel warm and toasty, or a certain beautiful cup or dishware for those lazy Sunday brunches that make you a little less haggard about the thought of work the next day.

Some simple pleasure items:

Colored Water Goblets: $34.98

French Press Coffee Maker: $34.99

Satin Sheet Sets: $39.99-49.99

Do all your discount shopping at Smarter.com!

Robert D. Henry, a New York-based architect, was interviewed by the NYTimes for an article in the home and garden section of NYTimes.com for his expertise in what he calls “Emotional Architecture”. Henry specializes mostly in designing spas, because “water and fire are so primal”, said by Henry, “they have such a calming effect.”

Henry suggests thinking about the five senses when you are designing a home, so that it is emotionally comfortable and stimulating. He suggests lavender candles for smell and fireplaces for warm and touch, and a little loose tea with necessary equipment for a soothing taste.

Top picks by Robert Henry to make all your soothing dreams come true:

Lavender Candle set from Sabbonnyc.com: $18.00

Tea Stick Infuser from Momastore.org: $24.00

Here are some products from Smarter.com that compliment some of Mr. Henry’s suggestions!

Teapot from Wasserstrom.com: $39.90

Waterfall Showerhead in Chrome: $119.02

Shop for more home decor at Smarter.com.

We all know that we need to clean off our fruits and vegetables after buying them from the supermarket because of pesticides and all that invisible, potentially harmful junk.  But, did you know what we use to clean our furniture, bedding, floors, dishes, houses, sinks, etc can have even more disastrous effects on our health and the environment?  Unfortunately, our technologies and inventions have just become so efficient that we forget that toxic and polluting substances and chemicals are what make our cleaning so easy.  Whatever can dissolve a sink clog or burn off a rug stain will do the same (or worse) to any living creature, plant, or household pet.  So what does it do to you?  On an immediate level, your skin may be irritated or your breathing may be tough, but in the long run who knows what this over-exposure to chemicals will do to our bodies and minds.  There are plenty of easy, at-home replacements to commercial cleaning products, and they are-tried-and-true effective solutions.  Here are some effective replacements:

1. All-Purpose Cleaner
-1/2 tsp washing soda
-A dab of liquid soap
-2 cups hot tap water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved.  Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

Where to buy these ingredients:

Washing Soda, otherwise known as Detergent Boosters or All-Purpose Cleaners, are offered by a variety of general brands, like Arm & Hammer. The Arm & Hammer Washing Soda goes for about $2 a cup.

2. Oven Cleaner
-1 cup or more baking soda
-water
-A squirt or two of liquid detergent

Liquid detergent, of course, can come with all sorts of coloring chemicals and residues that would outweigh the extra work you go into making your own home cleaning products.  Make sure you look for a green liquid detergent, like the Sals Suds Liquid Cleaner.  For only $7.39 for 16 oz of all-natural liquid detergent product, this is exactly where you want to be to clear your conscious and your oven!

3. Mold Killer
-2 teaspoons tea tree oil
-2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas.  Do not rinse.

Ah, tea tree oil.  Almost as much magic as aloe, tea tree oil can solve all sorts of burns or itches with it’s soothing quality.  Apparently it’s not so smooth or soothing to mold, though.  Now Tea Tree Oil is offered for sale at GNC.com for $12.99, and $10.39 if you sign up for the GNC Gold Card membership.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more environmentally friendly cleaning products.

The phrase is “Spring cleaning”, but for some reason I can never get all of the necessary organizing done in one season.  Perhaps it’s because, where I live, the weather stays SO COLD that Spring weather is still basically wet, slushy, freezing Winter weather, and I feel no need to clean out the heavy blankets, winter coats and ski pants while they are still in use.  So, once mid-July rolls around, at least for me, it’s time to finally (finally finally FINALLY!) start packing up the winter gear in favor of the spring/summer gear that has been growing musty and dusty in the closets.  Musty and dusty in the closets, you say?  Why did I not get a organizing structure, maybe a closet organizer or even some old plastic bins, to keep the old clothes fresh and new?  Well, my friends, I’m not a frivolous spender, and saw no reason why not to keep my clothes in cardboard boxes that I had lying around the house.  Silly, stupid me.  I’ve learned my lesson and understand why it’s important to invest in some closet organizers, and Smarter.com features savings and bargains on even the most glamorous of closet organizers!

Some savings to share:

The Space Bag:  Ah the space bag, like a dehydrator for your clothes, manages to shrink the clothes to unbelievable sizes (only in space, though, when you finally unzip them from the bag I’ve been told the clothes themselves have not shrunk in size!) Primetimesolutions.com offer the space bags for the measly price range of $6.95-9.95.  No more musty clothes for me with these kinds of savings!

Hanging Closet Organizer:  If you’re a little wary of packing up and squishing down your favorite Bebe or Dior dresses but still need someplace to store them in the off-season, check out the sleek and fashionable wrought iron instant closet from TaylorGifts.com.  Easily transportable, the wrought iron design is beautiful and modern, and at $119.98 this is a versatile piece that can compliment any and all sections of the home and seasons of clothes!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more closet organizers.

4th of July has come and gone, summer has officially started.  Welcome to sticky Sundays, melting Mondays, terrible Tuesdays, wet Wednesdays, thirsty Thursdays, freakin’ hot Fridays, and scalding Saturdays.  Any and everyday of the week will be unbearably hot (fingers crossed!!!) which gives plenty of excuse for beach trips, pool days and cold drinks.  Before the summer really ramps up, a few precautionary purchases to outfit your home for the inevitable hot and humid season be worth its weight in gold when August comes around!

Some facts you didn’t know about air conditioning:

1. Air conditioning uses more electricity than you would expect:  it can account for up to 70% of your total electricity bill, depending on how much you use the system, of course.
2. Ceiling fans and proper insulation of the house are simple and surprisingly cheaper ways to keep your house cool during the summer.
3. Numbers to put the waste and energy of AC into perspective:  A central air-conditioning system uses about 3500 watts per hour of energy.  A window unit AC of medium size uses about 900 watts per hour (don’t forget to multiply this by how many units you’re planning on using throughout your home).  A ceiling fan uses 75 watts per hour.  Think of all the money you could save!

Some top fans to purchase for the season:

Ceiling Fans: requiring a bit of installation, these fans are best because, as we all learned back in kindergarten, heat rises.  Ceiling fans are up there with the heat and will get it moving out of your house much more effectively and efficiently than floor fans.  Consider the thrifty Westinghouse Lighting - Industrial 56″ Ceiling Fan in Brushed Nickel at a sale price of $73.05, marked down from $123.  Just as effective of a product, but you already start with almost $49.95 of savings!

Floor Fans:  If you’re living in an apartment or a beach house for just a few days or weeks, you clearly don’t want to go through the trouble of installing a ceiling fan.  Your next best bet is a floor fan, like this Honeywell HFS641P 16-Inch Remote Control Stand Fan.  At just $39.88, you save $5 from original price and still get a wonderful product.

Desk Fans:  For the students in the dorms who need something blasted right at their face and don’t have room/money for the floor fans (here here!!), a tabletop desk fan is sure to please.  At only $15.50, the 4 Personal Two-Speed Desktop Personal Fan is an absolute steal of a fan.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable ceiling fans and floor fans.
Discounts on desk fans.

I have a confession. Ready? …

I am one of those people, who when visiting a friend, relative or a complete stranger, and I return from the bathroom, you will find that the toilet paper is right side up! The shredded end should be overlaying the roll and neatly folded there, held by gravity in place. This is the correct position people, there is a method to my madness. This way when you are done, you tear your sheet off and it doesn’t continue to hang there or unwind for 5 more inches looking dirty and discarded.

Kohler Devonshire Toilet Tissue Holder - $27.89

See that is how a roll of toilet paper should look. This is what I mean about the toilet paper being right side up, who doesn’t know this??

So this is a nice little number that is classy and polished. I mean it’s toilet paper holders folks, not rocket science. Really depends on your pet peeves and preferences. The toilet roll matches the Devonshire faucets and fixtures and is a great price.

Kohler Memoirs® Classic Toilet Tissue Holder - Was $143.40 Now $102.38

This number is more expensive but you pay for better quality. This model is made with solid brass and is inspired by faucets from the 1920’s and 1930’s. It is made to endure a long life and is quite elegant.

Kohler Purist Tissue Holder - Was $81.61 Now $65.30

I personally like this little guy. Gives me no anxiety about the toilet roll being right side up, and it is super easy to refill. Now instead of your boyfriend, husband or children leaving the refill on top of the old holder, now they can literally just drop the fresh roll onto the holder (I bet they still leave the refill by the sink….ugh!!).

Kohler Revival® Double Toilet Tissue Holder - Was $248.34 Now $217.54

Last but not least for you folks that just can’t use enough toilet paper, there is the double tissue dispenser. Women in particular will find the additional roll helpful, especially during certain times of the month… enough said. It is beautifully crafted and resists scratching, corrosion and tarnishing.

The one lesson I want you to walk away with is that THE TOILET PAPER MUST ALWAYS BE RIGHT SIDE UP!! If you need me to show you or want me to fix it send me an email and I will!

For more Toilet Paper Holders, click here.

First of all let me introduce you to the culprit…

This is my dog BUDDHA
aka: Funk Doobiest, Boogs, Booo-duh, Schnarf, Snugs and “The Ultimate Snausage”

(This is his prison break gear. Take note of the nunchucks in the background and be afraid, in fact be very afraid!)

Now that introductions have been made let us get back to the crux of the matter. Granted Buddha is an English Bulldog and is not excessively furry, however when he does start to shed, it is a pain to clean!

So I decided to purchase the Dyson DC07 Animal Upright Vacuum Cleaner for $499.99 for the following reasons:

• Intrigued by the concept that it was designed to never loose suction
• BAGLESS! (great perk, hate buying refills)
• Sleek and modern design and light weight

My honest to goodness first impression was I LOVED IT! First of all, it is made of plastic, so it is very light weight and durable. How do I know you ask, let’s just say I may have lost my grip on it once or twice climbing the stairs at my parents house. After the smoke cleared, it lives to tell the tale.

Which brings up another great point, it is LIGHT. Not beginning of the universe “let there be light” but the opposite of “heavy” light. Which is a huge factor for me, personally I hate lugging around the 80 pound relics of old. They are cumbersome have poor suction and well….they are sort of ugly to boot.

But here comes the best part, it actually works! So I did a little test when I brought it home for the first time. I vacuumed my room with the vacuum we currently owned, looked good, left the uniform triangle patterns on the carpet that I like, well then I went over it again with the Dyson to see how much dirt would be left over. Check this out! Gross right! That is how much crap was still in the carpet!

Now keep in mind, I am a neat freak, so by all accounts my room did not look that dirty to begin with, the fact that there was still that much dirt left me nauseous.

Also my Dyson came with two attachments.

The attachments are cool, but in truth I never used them that much. What I can tell you is that the hose and hose attachments, are indispensable for vacuuming the inside of your car. Getting pet hair out of the upholstery in your vehicle is reason enough to buy the vacuum.

Time flies by, thus my Dyson and I have been together for five years! It has been a clean and stress free relationship. Buddha and I salute you Dyson creators, keep up the fine work!