It’s time to start thinking about a boot tray
September 24, 2015
Forget the rack for a while, and think about all the mud, snow and salt that is about to be tracked into your home. Creating a designated area for wet shoes and boots is the best thing you can do to combat autumn or winter messes.
Boot trays are a step above the standard welcome mat. These lipped and sturdy mats are designed to contain the mess that melts or settles from shoes during the colder months. This way, the mess in contained and easy to get rid of. Floors stay clean and carpet does not get ruined.
Personally, I adore the boot trays from Bungalow Flooring. They’re super efficient, easy to clean and they come in an array of attractive patterns as well as colors. Take the Boot Tray with Squares pattern, which comes in 18 different colors, for example. This guy is perfect for your foyer, mudroom, garage or any ol’ entryway. The rubber bottom keeps it snug in place without scuffing floors and the polypropylene fabric is great at absorbing moisture. Plus, this shoe tray is resistant to mold, mildew, cracking and crushing. This large boot tray is a quality product, sure to last many winters.
This boot tray also looks great in the Diamond or Leaf patterns, both available in the same choice of colors!
Bonus: All Bungalow Flooring products are manufactured in the United States!
Watch boxes and winders
September 23, 2015
Watch winders are not your typical jewelry storage, but they are an important piece of the puzzle. Any watch collector — or even those with one or two timepieces — knows the importance of proper storage and regular winding.
Watch chests
Display your favorite timepieces in one of these solid wood chests from American Chest. Velvety suede lines the inside and matching pillows are ready to have watches wrapped around them for safe keeping. Separate cubbies help protect pieces from scratches and dust. The lid features a sleek glass panel that keeps contents visible but completely protected. Available in two sizes, you can chose from the regular design that fits up to six watches or the larger design which fits up to 10 watches and includes a bottom drawer for accessories.
Watch winders
If you’re more of an enthusiast, watch winders are a must. This Double Watch Winder, also from American Chest, is crafted from solid American cherry wood. This winder can contain up to two watches at a time. Complete with four programs, this watch winder features nylon gears, a mabuchi motor and intermittent programming sequences. This beautiful dresser top piece also features the slim glass panel in the lid, perfect for keeping contents visible and well protected.
Plus, all of American Chest’s elegant products are made in the United States.
Find these products and more like them at StacksandStacks.com.
How to make a compost bin with a simple plastic tote
September 22, 2015
“Compost is an organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer or soil amendment.”
Thanks, Wiki. But how do you make a compost bin? A quick Pinterest search can lead to premature exhaustion and overwhelming apathy. Do not fret, you do not need to go all out to create a simple home compost bin. Thankfully, there is an easy and inexpensive way.
I’m always trying to find new, unique ways to use those plastic totes that line my basement walls. As I watched the slowly changing leaves this weekend, it hit me: compost bin.
Here is a simple step by step process on how to make a compost bin:
Take your pick
Find a plastic bin fit for the job. Whether you have on laying around or must purchase one, make sure it is tall. At least two feet. And it must have a very secure, latching lid to keep our any curious critters.
Once you have a bin picked out, grab a drill or a hammer and nail to create air holes. Put at least eight hols in the bottom of the bin and in the lid. This will allow for proper air circulation and therefore even composting.
Fill it up
Back to those leaves. If you have them, collect some dry leaves from the yard and fill a quarter of the bin with them. You can also use newspaper for this, but I really recommend the dry leaves for a more pure compost.
Next is dirt. You can buy some for a hardware store or just dig it out of the ground at home. Either way, fill the bin with dirt until it is half full.
Scraps
Next, just add you food waste. Every time you add waste to the bin, make sure to stir it gently with a shovel or hand spade. Then spray it lightly with water until it is moist — you do not want to make it too wet. Be gentle!
Finally, just place the DIY compost bin somewhere outside in the shade so it doesn’t dry out. Come spring, you will have the best fertilizer for your gardens. And the cycle continues!
Find products for this project and more at StacksandStacks.com.