As you know, our site recently got a facelift.  In an effort to bring everything up to speed we are dusting off some old posts and cleaning them up a bit.  Many of them were written before we really knew what we were doing around here.  We've come a LONG way.

This flashback is from one of our very early posts.  I just love this project and still use it in my home everyday.  These hooks are perfect for keeping it all together and still having a place to hang your hat and/or jacket.  Check out the original post at Hooked on Storage: Toilet Flange Hook

Just a quick word to let you know about a very exciting upcoming post.  We were approached recently by HGTV to complete a project based on our Palette-able Patio Cocktail Table.  To complement the look of the cocktail table on the patio we added a hanging bar.

The use of discarded palettes made that project incredibly inexpensive to make.  Although the hardware added to the cost, the hanging bar still came in under $100.  Not bad for a super stylish piece of outdoor furniture.

The full instructions and lots of pictures will be posted soon at HGTV.  I will be sure to alert you the second it is there.  In the meantime, start gathering palettes.  Click continue reading for a sneak peek photo...

Spring brings on many new home improvement projects.  Folks all over will be throwing open the windows and putting a fresh coat on a room, a table, or maybe even a dresser.  But after you've chosen the right stain or paint, how do you choose the right tools for the job... and does it even matter?  You bet it does.  Check out this post we wrote for The Daily Basics.  Everything you need to know about paintbrushes is right here. 

P.S. When you get a second look around at some of the other wonderful articles at The Daily Basics.  You'll be amazed at how much good stuff is there.

We are bringing back a few favorites from last year this week for those who might not have seen them.  We are hard at work pulling together our holiday 2011 posts.  Don't worry... we'll be sure to pepper in a few new things, as well.  

This particular post is one of my personal favorites.  Admittedly, this project is a little time consuming, but the payoff is well worth it.  This wreath shines in a world of ordinary holiday.  Coincidently, it is one of our most popular posts on the internet.  You will find the original post here... Fantastic Plastic:  PVC Wreath.

Fall is all around (even here in Dallas).  As the weather cools and sunset occurs earlier, the grackles seem to gather together even more than the rest of the year.  I must admit that (unlike many I know) I am fascinated by them.  I have been honked at many times for not moving at a green light because I am mesmerized by the hundreds of grackles delicately perched on the wires at the intersection.

The grackles are the inspiration for our Art You Can Do project today.  This technique is a form of reverse painting and couldn’t be easier.  The results are modern and fun.   We have included the grackle templates that we used so you can make one just like ours or draw your own.

savour... social gathering

Get the rest after the jump...

Summer is winding to a close.  In some regions, the temperatures will soon start to drop.  School has either begun or soon will and kids are filled with excitement and anxiety.  To ease everyone into the transition we have compiled a few things for you to consider and a few to enjoy before the chaos of scheduling practice, tryouts, and studies ensues.  Enjoy… 

1. Thrift Store Challenge for Kids & Teens – summer break is almost over and may be for some already.  You may have exhausted your bag of tricks, but still want to keep summer light and fun.  Why not introduce a thrift store challenge for your kids and their friends.  Armed with $5 and a couple of rules (no running, no grabbing, extra credit for repurposing, etc.) and 15 minutes, challenge them to have fun, stay in budget, and may the best thrifter win.  A children's book to go along with this (best for ages 8-11) is Rich by Nikki Grimes.  Our heroine of the story Diamond Daniel has a very unique spin on what is trash and what is treasure.
2. Blog break - One of our favorite blog writers is Kate Lewis of The Civilized Minute.  She's the Seinfeld of home affairs and balancing life.  You'll immediate relate to her quick wit and charm and likely share a chuckle or two because you both completely get it.
3. Sensible shopping - Tired of spending 2 hours of your precious Saturday at the store trying to figure what to eat and who needs what for lunch?  Pop this list up on the fridge on Sunday before the week begins and have the family capture the needs as they arise.  Also have them jot down dinner ideas, so that you aren't struggling at the last minute to create meals everyone is willing to eat. (insert shopping list post)
4. Hooked on Storage -- if you haven't created a centralized storage area for shoes, bags, coats, then do so NOW with our easy "hooked on storage" approach.  Nothing says BTS ready like bags, jackets, shoes, and essentials all in one convenient location -- by the door!
5. Junk+ion (junktion) -- inspired & creative.  If you don't have a shoe caddy (like the one in the aforementioned post) then grab or DIY the one from junk+ion made from reclaimed pallets.  By the way, pallets are everywhere once you start looking.
6. BTS Celebration! - Celebrate Back to School properly -- with a party!  We often secretly celebrate the return to school because in those last two weeks before school starts the kids are driving us crazy.  The bickering, the heat, the boredom have all reached an all time high and there's simply nothing to do about it.  But truthfully, we should be celebrating the promise of a new year, the growth in maturity, the knowledge gained, and the friends made.  We celebrate the turn of a calendar year with much fanfare, but why not treat your student to the same level of celebration?  Some kids dread the beginning of the new school year.  Some welcome it.  Either way, try celebrating the new adventure.  Get noise makers, balloons, and streamers and have a party.  Be sure to include a celebration cake (see tomorrow’s post).

I love the notion of sitting on the patio with a tall glass of sangria in the summer.  Creating an outdoor space that you love to visit makes all the difference.  Today we tackle a table that just about anybody and make.  Best of all, it’s almost free.  It will require a bit of work and you may want to enlist some help, but the overall result is perfect for a carefree patio.

This isn’t the first time we’ve used palettes for building materials around here.  You may remember the patio farm table we built or this fun butterfly art for inside.  Using palettes provides plenty of material, keeps them out of landfills, and saves you loads of money.  Keep in mind, none of these things are meant to be heirloom pieces, but they are practical and, if treated well, will last for years to come.

savour... cheap chic

Get the rest after the jump...