Charles and Hudson

Clear the Clutter II: Container Storage Giveaway & Home Depot Gift Card

Mon, 14 May 2012 01:01:38 -0800

Last year we teamed up with United Mayflower to help them spread the word about their container storage service. We're doing another Giveaway this year offering a free month of container storage as well as a $50 Gift Card to Home Depot.

You no longer have to rent a moving van and make multiple stops to a storage unit. You can now contact a service such as United Mayflower to deliver a container right to your driveway that you can simply load at your convenience.

To "Clear the Clutter", simply leave a comment below and you'll be eligible to win. If you're planning a remodel or need more room for Spring cleaning, this is the perfect storage option.

PRIZE
* Onsite container rental free for one month. This will include the delivery, one month onsite storage (your house) and pickup of the container all completely free.
* $50 Gift Card to Home Depot

HOW TO ENTER
You can enter once-per-day.
Leave a comment below saying Clear the Clutter.

GIVEAWAY DEADLINE
We will select one random winner at 12 midnight EST on Sunday, May 20nd 2012.

FINAL DETAILS
+ The winner must be within one of United Mayflowers serviced areas in order to win the container (check your zip code to see if it is serviced) and the free rental must be redeemed within one year of the giveaway end date.
+ Make sure you provide a working email in the comment form so we can contact the winner who will have 24 hours to respond to an announcement to claim the prize.
+ Upon completion of the Giveaway we will inform United Mayflower of the winner and we take no responsibility for the service or use of the this product.
+ Only residents age 18+ of the U.S. are eligible to win.
+ All rules are subject to change without notice.
+ Please review our Giveaway policy.

Free Sweepstakes

Justin Timberlake - The Next Interior Design Star?

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:36:41 -0800

We were invited to preview a collection called HomeMint curated by Estee Stanely and
Justin Timberlake. Ms. Stanley is a well-known interior designer but this is new territory for Mr. Timberlake who is better known as an entertainer/musician. It turns out he's got an eye for this and the HomeMint collection shows a lot of promise.

Most of the products are by other brands, and they're curating a collection that makes their style and aesthetic. Some products are exclusive to HomeMint and are available as a HomeMint colorway. Also on display were pillows from fabric that Estee sourced and Justin showcased some of his photography.

Some of the brands you'll find in the HomeMint collection include: Canvas, Matteo and Brahm's Mount.

Here are some photos from the HomeMint launch event.

10 Tool Blogs You Need to Know

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:10:15 -0800

There are plenty of design and DIY blogs but the world of tool blogs is fairly small and among them a few stand out. These sites cover the latest tools and hardware from all the main manufacturers and they often highlight tool companies that are lesser known.

Some of these tool blogs skew towards the professional while others are geared to the weekend warrior types. Some of them are run by contractors who have relied on tools for years to make a living and know them inside out while others are run by tool fanatics who are obsessed with the technology and design of the newest tools.

In no particular order these are my favorite tool blogs and should be yours too.

ToolBoxBuzz
A fairly new site from Todd Fratzel who runs Home Construction Improvement. He's compiled a great group of editors and know their tools inside and out.

CopTool
The official blog of Ohio Power Tool and edited by Jay Amstutz (pictured above). You'll find great side by side tool comparisons and they run the incomparable Power Tool Races.

ToolGuyd
I've worked with Stuart a few times and he has a great grasp of the technology behind the tools.

ProTool Reviews
Tom and Clint publish new tool reviews daily and have an active forum of other tool fanatics.

Toolsnob
Doug has been writing Toolsnob for years and is one of the first tool bloggers I met. He covers all types of home product but his best reviews are on tools.

Tools In Action
This site has been around for awhile but Dan and Eric are working hard to give it a fresh look.

Tool-Rank
Chris has worked hard to build a great looking tool blog and I think he's succeeded. As a carpenter he knows his tools.

Toolmonger
Sean and Chuck keep the world's first tool blog humming along and they often have a unique take on the tool industry that sets them apart.

Honorable Mention
These blogs aren't necessarily tool focused but they do offer some great reviews and occasional Giveaways from major tool manufacturers. What you will mostly find are great home improvement projects, tutorials and product reviews.

A Concord Carpenter
HomeFixated
One Project Closer
Building Moxie
Home Construction Improvement
MyFixItUpLife
Ask The Builder
Extreme How-To

We had some fun with some of these tool bloggers and asked them to share what type of truck they drive. One brand was a clear winner.

Fixing a Spotty Lawn with 1 Step Complete

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:52:30 -0800

A couple months ago I checked out the NexGen grass seed lab and the Pennington Seed factory in Oregon and received some valuable information on lawn care as well as a hands-on look at their 1 Step Complete combo mulch seed fertilizer product. I couldn't wait to get home to give it try.

Well the results are in and our lawn is looking better than ever.

Lawn Problem
We put down new sod but due to neglect and dog urine it started to get spotty.

Solution
The 1 Step Complete seems like the perfect product to fix our lawn. We needed coverage in problem areas as well as a way to help thicken the existing lawn. Our back lawn is small and we want to make the most of it.

I spread the 1 Step Complete according to the instructions and watered it twice daily. In two weeks I started seeing grass. I'm going to let it really thicken before cutting by waiting at least another two months. I know it's sensitive right now and the roots are developing.

I'm impressed with how much nicer our yard looks with a full green lawn and we can't wait for our first summer picnic outside.

Car Camping with an ARB Rooftop Tent

Sun, 06 May 2012 00:36:12 -0800

Car camping has been taken to the next level for those wishing to get a bit more adventurous. Enter expedition camping which requires you to haul everything you need and setup sometimes hundreds of miles from any form of civilization. But this isn't about traveling light, it's more about being efficient and comfortable tents can take up valuable space in your rig.

The Campa Cub is a solid option but if you don't want to haul a trailer but still want to sleep off the ground, consider the ARV rooftop tent can be mounted to small cars, SUVs and pickup trucks. It takes minutes to install to your roof rack and can sleep four. Just make sure you check the weight rating of your roof rack.

Setup an Outdoor Bar for Summer Parties

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:59:28 -0800

After you've finished prepping your yard and patio for Spring, consider setting up an outdoor bar area to take full advantage of the warm weather. There's nothing more enjoyable than hosting happy hour from the comfort of your own back yard. But forget the keg and six-packs and setup a proper area that is great for socializing and drinking. Here are a few tips that will ensure return visits to your party.

Make it Comfortable - You don't need chairs for everyone, in fact it's best if some people are standing as that encourages conversation and mingling, but make sure that you have enough space for the amount of people you've invited.

Know your Guests - Don't serve beer to a wine crowd, it's as simple as that. You don't need a fully-stocked bar to have fun but make sure that your guests have the drinks you think they'll want. Stocking wine and beer is always safe and for summer parties, sangria and margaritas are always a hit.

Food or Not? - You can keep it simple with chopped veggies and dips or go all out with tasty finger foods. Food isn't always necessary so consider the timing of your party and the mood your guests will be in.

Be Prepared - To keep the party outside make sure you have plenty of cups, napkins and ice. No one wants to keep running inside for supplies.

Music Sets the Mood - Invest in some outdoor speakers and see what a difference music makes to get a party going. Whether you are planning on a dance party or a casual mixer, your music selection will be vital.

Light it Right - Big spotlights don't create warm inviting atmospheres which is the goal with an outdoor drinking area. Think of the coolest outdoor bars you've seen at restaurants or hotels and they all keep the lighting low.

Check the Weather - Rain can spoil a party but if you've got a covered porch it can be a joy to smell and hear the rain on a summer day while unwinding with a nice cocktail. Consider heat lamps if the weather is a bit chilly or add an outdoor fireplace for more warmth and to really set a mood.

What works for you when setting up an outdoor party?

The Tank - A Military Grade iPhone Case from Casemate

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:47:38 -0800

Since I've converted to using an iPhone case I've had an opportunity to review a few of the more durable cases available.

One of the strongest, if not strangest, iPhone cases is the TANK from Case-Mate.

The protection is second to none and they have achieved this without adding any bulk to a typical sized case.

TANK's polycarbonate hard shell combines with a silicone-cushioned interior for the ultimate in tough cases. The TANK truly is military grade as it meets or exceeds US military standards.

One feature we weren't so keen on was the retractable screen. It was somewhat awkward to use so we removed it. We are taking a risk here as 67% of iPhone failures are due to cracked screens so if you need that extra protection of have a history of cracking your screen then you should definitely take advantage of this unique cover.

Case-Mate feels this is the ideal iPhone protection for people in the service industry, construction, outdoor athletes, and the toughest role of all...moms.

If the TANK isn't your style, Case-Mate has a ton of other options including some DIY covers that allow you to put your own photos on them.

Preparing Your Home After Knee Surgery

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:45:04 -0800

I tore the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in my right knee 18 years ago playing football and had surgery at the University of Arizona. I was living at my parents house at the time and they made I got what needed in terms of medical, physical and moral support. Our home was one-story and for the week I was on crutches I didn't need to do much except attend physical therapy.

Four years ago I tore the ACL in my left knee playing in a pickup lacrosse game in Hawaii. I returned home to New York and tests were inconclusive so my doctor scheduled surgery to scope it out and he would reconstruct the ACL if necessary. Well I woke up to his words "Your ACL was shredded so I had to fix it".

Living in New York is not the most ideal place to deal with a leg injury. After leaving the hospital I had to scoot into a cab then navigate the stoop up to our front door and then the flight of stairs to our apartment. I didn't think much of those steps when I had two good legs to walk on but as many can attest too, stairs on crutches isn't fun.

Laura took great care of me but we also had some family help arrive that week. Here are my observations about returning home after knee surgery and tips to make the transition easier for everyone including yourself.

1. Accept help
I'm very independent and don't ask for much but in a situation like this its better to be open and receptive to friends and family assisting you. Don't abuse your situation but when you are comfortable everyone else is too.

2. Clear the room
Make sure you remove any unnecessary clutter around the house. Pick up the boxes and anything else that might hinder you getting around on crutches. Remember you take up a wider space with crutches.

3. Watch out for rugs
Rugs can slide especially when the single point of a crutch is pushed on it. Consider removing rugs while you are on crutches. The last thing you need is a rug slipping and you falling and reinjuring yourself.

4. Easy access to meds
Keep your medication, wraps any other supplies close at hand. You don't want to reach or fumble for these things.

5. Stock up on food
Make sure you've got all your comfort foods close by and plenty of liquids. Keep water near the couch or wherever you will be recovering as its important to stay hydrated.

What other tips do you have for making your home as comfy after returning home from surgery?

note: above photo is not my knee.

How to Clear a Clogged Ice Maker

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:42:38 -0800

Refrigerator ice makers are a modern day luxury but periodically, and especially if it isn't used regularly, the delivery system for the ice maker no longer works. Sometimes you can work with it and sometimes it breaks loose and works for a while, but about twice a year or so you need to remove the unit, disassemble it, rinse and reassemble.

A loyal reader (my dad) went through the ice maker maintenance process and shared photos.

Probably all units are slightly different...ours is an older Amana unit. The first time I had a challenge actually lifting the ice maker unit out, but once I discovered the path it was very simple.

Also, the first time I had a dickens of a time putting things back together, so I have learned to keep everything in sequence while the ice is being rinsed away.

Putting things back is not that difficult. And, this saves a service call for whatever fee is now charged.

Thanks for sharing dad!

DeWALT 20V MAX Brushless Motor Impact Driver

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 14:42:10 -0800

Brushless motors are coming on strong and this year DeWALT introduced a brushless version of their popular 20V MAX impact driver.

DeWALT claims that the brushless motor has 57% more runtime than a DeWALT brushed motor and because of the nature of the motor there is much less noise and wear and tear which means more comfort and a longer lasting tool.

Beyond the brushless motor, DeWALT made a few other changes including an improved battery that now has a fuel gauge and a speed selector which will help prolong the life of your battery.

The push button chuck release is also a new feature and is operated with one hand to insert and lock the bit into place and one button release.

Overall the new unit is more compact which will allow you to get into deeper spaces but they improved the power and the runtime. If your impact driver needs an upgrade consider this brushless unit from DeWALT.

Kohler Underscore VibrAcoustic Bath

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:29:43 -0800

Last year Kohler brought us the ultimate toilet with the NUMI and at this years Kitchen and Bath Show they are introducing VibrAcoustic technology on their Underscore bath line. What is "VibrAcoustic"? It is what it sounds like.

"Enhanced technology-based baths integrate music, water vibration and lights"

Sound divine right? There's a bit more to it than just music and lights.

Vibroacoustic is a technology-based sound therapy defined as hearing and feeling sound
vibrations through the body. Focused on complete body relaxation these baths are engineered to ease tension and stress.

The sound quality of the bath is actually so good that it can be used as a stand alone bath audio solution. Anytime you want to fire up some tunes just turn on your bath.
Like any modern piece of audio equipment you can stream music and podcasts from a mobile device via WIFI or bluetooth.

The bath lighting is also synched to the music in what's known as "Chromatherapy". There are eight different colors and various combinations and you can also select the hue on each color.

The acrylic Underscore bath is available in nine sizes ranging from 60-by-30 inches to 72-by-42 inches, including a 48-by-48-inch cube-shaped model, and is available in five colors with both drop-in and undermount installation to ensure a natural fit with other design elements in the bathroom.

Luxury doesn't come cheap as the price for this bath ranges from $1,055.70 for the 60-by-30-inch Underscore VibrAcoustic bath to $4,634.55 for the 72-by-36-inch Underscore VibrAcoustic bath with Chromotherapy. But if you are seeking the ultimate bathing experience then a Vibracoustic bath is your nirvana.

Otterbox Defender iPhone Case in Real Tree Camo

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:41:34 -0800

I've been an iPhone user from the beginning but I've never been a fan of cases or covers. I just like the feel of a naked iPhone and the way it slides easily into my pocket. I take great care in how I handle my iPhone but with the newest version the iPhone 4S I decided it was too large of an investment to not protect it. The glass backing also seems more fragile to me so I needed a low profile case that offered great protection without the bulk.

Enter Otterbox with the Defender iPhone 4S case. The iPhone 4S Defender Series is made of a high-impact polycarbonate shell, durable silicone and a built-in screen protector, which makes it one of the most rugged iPhone cases around. Scratches, dust and drops are no longer an issue.

Typically I would go with a simple black case but their Real Tree Camo case looked interesting. You can find almost anything in camo but this is the first iPhone case I had seen in camo. It's also not just any camo but Real Tree which is the most popular hunting camo pattern. I'm not a hunter but my iPhone now stands out with it's hunter orange and camo pattern. I've never had a phone that is a conversation starter and this one certainly is.

For a guy who doesn't like cases I've been using this one for almost 6 months now and I'm never going back.

To check out the Defender or other Otterbox cases visit their website.

Liquid-Plumr Giveaway: Disposal + Drain Foaming Cleaner, Lowe's $100 Gift Card and Apollo Tool Set

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:04:02 -0800

Drain clogs are the absolute worst! We had our sink clog up at the worst possible time last year in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner. We didn't have any Liquid-Plumr on hand so we just kept at it with the plunger. We know everyone can relate to clogged and dirty drains, so this month's giveaway with Liquid-Plumr should be popular.

Liquid-Plumr is giving away the following prizes:

$100 gift card to Lowe's

53 piece Apollo tool set

The newest Liquid-Plumr products, including the brand new Liquid-Plumr Disposal + Drain Foaming Cleaner.

Liquid-Plumr Disposal + Drain Foaming Cleaner gets down deep to clean hard-to-reach areas and eliminate lingering smells in your garbage disposal. The no-fuss, water-soluble packs leave nothing behind but a fresh, citrus scent.

HOW TO ENTER
Leave a comment below.

You can enter once-per-day to increase your odds of winning.

Make sure you provide a working email in the comment form so we can contact the winner.

PRIZE
We will randomly select ONE WINNER

One winner will receive a $100 Lowe's Gift Card, 53 piece Apollo Toolset and Liquid-Plumr's new Disposal + Drain Foaming Cleaner.

GIVEAWAY DEADLINE
We will select TWO random winners at 12 midnight EST on April 29nd, 2012 and they will be notified immediately.

VIDEO
We're always on the lookout for quick tips and how-to videos and Liquid-Plumr has recently launched their Tool School with Norma Vally, the Toolbelt Diva, to provide easy fix it tips and tricks that many homeowners may not know they were capable of. Here she demonstrates how easy it is to use the Disposal + Drain Foaming Cleanser. Check it out! "Aaah citrusyyy!!!"

NEWSLETTER
Join our Email Newsletter for more Giveaways and Home Improvement Tips.
(we do not sell our lists to third parties and you can unsubscribe at any time)

We take no responsibility for the function or use of the these products
These products will be shipped in new condition.
Only residents age 18+ of the U.S. are eligible to win.
All rules are subject to change without notice.
Please review our Giveaway policy.

Steel Barrel BBQ Grill

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0800

The raddest grill we've seen all year is also the most simple.

This industrial barrel is painted blue and brass and has two-tiers for cooking and an easy access side tray. The top has a mahogany handle and temperature gauge so you won't have to guess but that is the extent of any bells and whistles.

You can purchase from the design fim Lhooq and you can request custom colors. Delivery takes two to six weeks so if you order now you'll have it in time for summer BBQs.

Expedition Traveling Made Easier with the Campa Cub and ATT

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:16:35 -0800

If you are going car camping you either have the option of using a tent or towing a camper but the Campa USA gives you the best of both worlds with their Campa ATT and Campa Cub. These camping trailers are specifically geared towards the expedition traveler who goes beyond the campsites but seeks comfort and amenities in a small towable package.

The Campa All Terrain Trailer [ATT] is recognized as being among the best Tent Camping Trailers in the world and specifically engineered as the leading Expedition Grade product in North America.

The Campa Cub provides an excellent platform for those who long for expedition travel, while still being robust and durable for remote adventures

The Campa Cub is also offered in a 'kit format' for the DIY entrepreneur.

Visit the Campa USA website for more details.