DIY Sites to Visit

I received the below email today from an editor at Consumer Reports' ShopSmart Magazine.

I had visited DIYnetwork.com, Doityourself.com and WikiHow; but the new BeJane.com and ExpertVillage.com were new to me!

I have a soft spot in my heart for do-it-yourselfers because I started on the path toward my career as a kitchen and bath designer by DIY remodeling my old and decrepit house when I couldn't afford to hire the pros.

Next thing I knew, all my neighbors were hiring me to design and remodel their kitchens and baths.

BeJane walks women through lots of DIY projects with language they can understand.

Maybe you too can make the transition from surgical nurse to kitchen designer via the hands-on route!

Great additions to the DIY universe.

Peggy

Sometimes it pays to just do it yourself. But what if you don’t know how to replace a faucet or fix a running toilet?

The Web is loaded with how-to resources that can make those jobs easy.

Google “replacing a faucet,” for example, and you’ll find all kinds of help to bring out your inner plumber, including Doityourself.com.

The November 2008 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, reveals the other DIY sites that are worth a look the next time you need to fix something, whether it’s replacing a doorknob or installing a new tail light.

You might decide the project is too complicated, but at least you’ll know what you were up against.

One warning: You may have to wade through ads to find what you’re looking for.

DIYnetwork.com has countless how-to videos and articles on home projects, gardening and landscaping, and crafts too.

Expertvillage.com offers short video clips and articles on just about everything you might need to fix things around the house and make car repairs.

WikiHow.com lacks the glitzy design (and ads) of some other sites but covers a huge range of home, car, and computer repairs.

BeJane.com was re-launched just as we went to press. It’s a DIY site aimed at women.

If you choose to use these tips, we ask that you credit the November 2008 issue of ShopSmart.

Instant Mango pickle

Mango pickle and curd rice make an incredible combination. This pickle can be made in a jiffy and stored for a few days in the fridge. Mine was a slightly ripened mango which made the pickle taste sweeter.
Ingredients:
Raw mango-1
Salt
Hing-a pinch
Chilli powder-1tsp or less

To tamper:
Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
Oil-1 tbsp

Method:
Mix all the above ingredients. Tamper mustard seeds in oil and pour it on the pickle.

goodbye summer

I'm ready for the change of season. In fact, I'm always ready for a seasonal change. Not unlike our hometowns in Ohio, this part of the country provides a nice balance of all four seasons, despite the fact that you will hear comments like, "can you believe it's September" and "holy moses, we went from summer to winter overnight". Well here it is - fall - the windows are open; the mums are on fire; the geese are moving. Who can complain about this?

We sent summer out in a good way - sailing. Three years have passed since we've moved to Baltimore and we've yet to get on a boat (other than an occasional water taxi or tour). We recently met some new friends, Michelle and Rick, who graciously invited us out on their sailboat this past weekend.
Happy boys,

and a beautiful day


Welcome back, Fall.