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Qubicles

Bookshelves have taken over almost every wall I have.  And while they’re nice, they’re not stylish.   Modular shelving, like these stylish Qubicles, would be really nice.

Sold in sets of three cubes, Qubicles are designed for easy arrangement and variability.  With an inner storage area of 8in x 8in x 6in, each cube provides plenty of room for books, pictures, CDs, or little glass unicorns.  The outer dimensions of each cube is 10in x 10in x 6in.

What makes Qubicles stand out among other modular shelving systems is the bracket system.  Once the bracket is mounted you can rearrange the cubes any way you wish—without having to use tools.  They simply slide in and slide out.

Multiple colors are available.  So, for example, you can change your Qubicle colors for the holidays.  Put up orange and black Qubs at Halloween to display mini pumpkins.  Change it up in time for New Year’s Eve. 

Sound great?  The tricky thing is this:  Qubicles are not yet available for purchase.  They are listed at Quirky, a website devoted to developing and selling inventions and innovations devised by people like us FIYers. 

The way it works is that Qubicles are available for pre-sale at $32 set.  When demand hits a certain threshold, the product goes into the manufacturing stage. 

More about the Quirky revolution coming soon. 

by John Barker

Written by editor on September 4, 2010 at 10:37 am
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Dad Uses Prize Money for Good Deeds

While you stare at unfinished home improvement projects from last summer, Charles Muller is about to start renovating his second building — and it’s all for charity.

Muller won the grand prize in the Sears “Unsung Heroes: Dads Making a Difference” contest. Sears says Muller was picked as one of the 10 finalists from over 125,000 entries. Then, America made him the winner.

 

What made him so deserving? Muller, a resident of Rensselaer, N.Y., took a run-down building and turned it into a place where poor children can get a meal. For his good deeds, Muller will get $30,000 worth of labor and materials from Sears. Of course, he isn’t letting that go to waste. His prize will be used to restore a local Boys and Girls Club. Without the renovations, the building would have to be closed.

“I am truly honored to have been selected as the winner, and am touched by the overwhelming support and votes I received from friends, family and members of my community,” said Muller. “I am very grateful to Sears for recognizing other dads and me for making a difference. I am excited to get started on restoring a building used by the local Boys and Girls club that is in desperate need of many repairs that they themselves cannot do alone.”

If you like a good Extreme Makeover-style story, head over to the Sears website to read more about Muller as well as the other finalists.

by Rachel Cericola

Written by editor on August 14, 2010 at 10:38 am
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Ashley Olsen Wants a Furniture Line

Apparently, the Olsen twins need more money to count — or at least Ashley does. At a recent New York City party, one half of the mini mogul team was talking up the current Olsen brand and how the pair could branch out.

“It’s really getting to the point where it’s becoming a lifestyle brand,” she said, adding that she would like to add furniture into that mix.

Yes, the Olsens are a brand. Most of us know about the Full House thing, as well as a boatload of TV shows and direct-to-video movies, such as To Grandmother’s House We Go. [Yes, you know that movie. Admit it!] The two also have clothing, jewelry, and much more.

The Elizabeth and James clothing line is named after two non-twin Olsen siblings and includes contemporary fashions for men and women, including jewelry and shoes. They also launched Olsenboye at JC Penney earlier this year, which is a clothing line for juniors inspired by different cities around the world.  

So, what’s the problem? As Shelterpop points out, the twins already have  their names plastered on furniture. The collection has a just a few pieces, geared toward their ‘tween/teen audience. 

I’m guessing the next venture will be more extensively home furnishings - and all grown up.  

[Photo by Rafy – © 2004 Warner Bros. Pictures. All rights reserved.]

by Rachel Cericola

Written by editor on August 1, 2010 at 10:17 am
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Bucket Buddy

I’m notoriously clumsy. In fact, this is me in the emergency room on July 4:

I traded in all of the fun and fireworks for 16 stitches in the noggin after face planting into the corner of a kitchen cabinet -  and all before my second beer.

That’s why things like the Bucket Buddy  from Quirky make me happy.

 

 

The Bucket Buddy is one of those ideas that is so simple it makes sense. Essentially, you get an extra hand to help you deal with pouring a full bucket of liquid.  A heavy-duty nylon strap and a metal buckle attaches to the bottom of your bucket.  A hook connects to the rim, securing the strap just beneath the lid.  Ready to pour?   Grip and lift, as they say over at Quirky.  

Check it out:

See?  Told ya it made sense.  Less stress on your back, less spilled water . . . and no gushing gashes. 

by John Barker

Written by editor on July 26, 2010 at 11:14 am
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A Time to Celebrate Meats

Memorial Day is a few days away. Do you want to be the only sucker on your block not enjoying a large side of beef?

Home Depot is cooking up a tasty Memorial Day sale on grills. It’s actually not a sale – they are just lowering prices and keeping them there! So even if you are planning to pack up a bib and take your appetite elsewhere this weekend, you can still choose a grill and have it shipped (for free!) in time for July 4th festivities.

Home Depot also claims to have one of the largest inventories of grills under $400 — at least for a major retailer. Just to whet your appetite, here are some of the new prices they are touting:

  • Weber Q200: $189 (Save $10)
  • Charbroil 3 Burner Infra-Red: $399 (Save $50)
  • Brinkmann 5: $399 (Save $50)
  • Charbroil 4 Burner SS Grill: $269
  • Brinkmann Dual Function Charcoal Gas Grill: $299
  • Brinkmann 2 Burner: $99.97
  • Charbroil 4 Burner Infra-Red: $599 (Save $50)

 

Of course, there are tons of other options. Whether you like charcoal, gas, smokers, burners or other grilling gear, they have a big enough inventory to handle your needs. If you need help picking out your perfect party pal, check out Home Depot’s Grill Finder to find your match.

by Rachel Cericola

Written by editor on May 28, 2010 at 10:12 am
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Free Appliances from Viking

Appliance manufacturer Viking Range Corporation has just launched a promotion called Four Ways to Save.  It’s all about getting freebies — and we love freebies.

 Basically, if you buy Viking products between now and the end of the September, Viking will treat you to something special. However, what you get will depend on what you buy. The offer is only valid on the following combinations:

 1)     Buy a Viking Professional Series kitchen. That includes a freestanding or built-in refrigerator, at least a 30-inch range or cooktop/rangetop and oven, and at least a 30-inch hood. Then, you’ll get a free Viking dishwasher.

2)     Buy a Viking Designer Series kitchen. That includes a freestanding or built-in refrigerator, a 36-inch cooktop/rangetop and 30-inch oven and a hood. Then, you’ll get a free Viking dishwasher.

3)     Buy a Viking Designer Series kitchen. That includes a freestanding or built-in refrigerator, a 30-inch range or a 30-inch cooktop/rangetop and oven, and a dishwasher. Then, you’ll get a free 6-inch wall hood or microwave hood.

 4)     The fourth option involves cold, hard cash. Who doesn’t love that? Buy a Viking built-in refrigerator or freezer, and Viking will give you $500 back. The company says this offer can be applied in addition to the offers above. 

Viking will run this promotion in the U.S. and Canada through September 30, 2010.  But don’t expect to buy in Canada, cross the border and collect your goodies. The products need to be installed in the country of purchase.

More information is available here.

by Rachel Cericola

Written by editor on May 14, 2010 at 10:23 am
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T-Shirt Tackles Plumber’s Butt

Everyone’s seen it. Nobody wants to.

The dreaded plumber’s butt has managed to scar eyes around the world. Now, in honor of National Plumber’s Month, Duluth Trading Company just announced its campaign to make plumber’s butt a thing of the past.

The Longtail T is a 100-percent cotton shirt that’s actually three inches longer than what’s folded neatly in your dresser drawers — OK, what’s rolled up in the corner of your couch. Stretch, bend over, or break-dance; this thing just won’t ride up.

Duluth Trading is going to great lengths this month to get the word out. With its specially developed “Exposure Meter,” representatives from the company are hitting the streets, checking average guys for plumber’s butt, and maybe even giving out a few free T-shirts in the process. If you aren’t into showing your crack in public (at least not knowingly), you can also go to the company’s website to enter to win one of up to 350 limited edition commemorative Plumber’s Day Longtail Ts.

Everyone else can order a Longtail T through Duluth Trading’s website. The Longtail T comes in 18 varieties, which includes short and long sleeves, pocket and no pocket, and more. For the entire month of April, they are offering two shirts for the low price of $13 each.

By Rachel Cericola

Written by editor on April 21, 2010 at 9:18 am
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Phantom Markets Doors to DIY Crowd

Doors open and close. Seems pretty simple, right? Well, maybe not if you have an old-school screen door. Who wants to deal with getting fingers caught in those hingey things?

Phantom Screens  makes screen doors easy to open and to install. And, the company just added three new models of retractable door screens to the DIY line.

Aside from smooth sliding action, the mesh screen, and the attractive handles, the company boasts superb tech support for DIY-ers of all skill levels. Phantom’s dedicated customer toll-free helpline is designed to guide customers through problems, replacement parts, and other assistance. It’s nice to know you have someone to call besides 911.

Each of the new screens is a result of Phantom’s joint effort with one of the world’s largest screen manufacturers, Seiki Screen Systems of Japan. Features for all include left and right hand models, one-touch-latch technology, and low threshold sills. Also, since they are retractable, you don’t need to remove anything from your existing door. All the necessary parts are included in each kit, whether you have single and/or double doors.

Phantom’s DIY retractable door screens are available now at Lowe’s locations across the U.S. 

By Rachel Cericola

Written by editor on April 16, 2010 at 12:37 pm
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Benjamin Moore Makes Stink-Free Paint

Most paint stinks.  No way around it.  Open the windows, turn on the fan, and get the heck out while the stuff is drying. 

However, Benjamin Moore’s Natura, a zero-VOC interior paint, doesn’t have any smell.  Available in thousands of hues and sheens, it doesn’t stink either.

VOC stands for “volatile organic compound.”  Since Natura doesn’t have any of those nasties, it doesn’t  have the same stench as the paint cans currently fuming up your garage and/or basement.  And, taking out the VOCs doesn’t mean putting something equally horrible back in, so Benjamin Moore bills Natura as an “eco-friendly” paint solution. 

“Being green has never been so colorful,” said Carl Minchew, Benjamin Moore director of color technology. “Until now, zero-VOC paints meant restricted color options, because traditional colorants add the VOCs,” he explained. “But, Natura is built upon Benjamin Moore’s patented Gennex waterborne colorant system, and it’s the waterborne technology that makes the difference. So, no matter what color you choose, it will never add to the VOC level. Natura is green without compromise—the greenest paint Benjamin Moore has ever made.”

There are plenty of choices too, since Natura is available in all of Benjamin Moore’s 3,300 colors. Even better, it dries super fast, so you should be able to lean against those freshly painted walls in about 30 minutes. If you didn’t time things so well, it’s also pretty washable. Just make sure to add in another couple of  hours for re-coating.

Aside from the endless color scheme, the Natura range includes a primer plus three sheens: flat, eggshell and semi-gloss. Natura sells for about $49.99 a gallon. 

By Rachel Cericola

Written by editor on April 2, 2010 at 12:02 pm
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Functional & Flirty Work Dress

We’re not used to strapping on something sassy to hammer nails and apply paint. However, for Caroline Woolard, functional does not have to equal frumpy.

To spruce up the typical workwear, she designed the Work Dress, which is sort of a hybrid apron/tool belt. It has an insane amount of pockets, which can hold tools, tape measures, brushes, and even a lipstick, if you are so inclined. Basically, the only limitation is your own strength, since you’ll be the one carrying it all.

Caroline came up with the design for the dress, but a male friend did the sewing.  She created the piece as part of the OurGoods project, a peer-to-peer network, which offers the exchange of goods and services between artists, designers, craftspeople, and anyone else with a little creativity.

So, of course, that means you can’t drive to the local Home Depot or even Dress Barn to buy up one of these for the handy gal in your life. Instead, Caroline is looking for interesting swaps. So far, she’s accepted unlimited access to laundry in New York City, a website and business cards, a personal violin concert, and a few other nifty items.

If you don’t have skills, such as superhero training or magic massaging fingers (those are barters in progress), you can donate $200, and she’ll send you a dress. 

 By Rachel Cericola

 Photo Credit: Martyna Szczesna [http://www.martynaszcz.net]

Written by editor on March 30, 2010 at 10:49 am
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