It's Hot Outside: Creative Ways To Beat The Heat

Filed under: Outdoors

It's hot as hot gets outside, but our friends at The Daily Beast have compiled a list of 12 ways to beat the dog days of summer. Here's our favorites.

featuring

We're having a heat wave! From fruity drinks and boozy ice pops, here are the coolest ways to find some relief from the sun.

Marilyn Conway/Getty Images via The Daily Beast

Homemade Ice Pops: Take two parts childhood nostalgia, add one part adult privileges, and voila! Boozy Popsicles. Paper cups, tongue depressors, and a freezer will get you started. Try a grapefruit Campari, a fennel Pernod, or a mojito. Break them out for post-burgers dessert.

Infuse Cocktails: Nothing wrong with a simple gin and tonic, but for summer, herb-infused cocktails can turn a run-of-the-mill barbecue into the type of event Martha Stewart would plop down on a lawn chair for. They're easier to make than you think. Pick a drink-vodka is usually easiest-add a fresh fruit or herb, seal both in a glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, and shake once or twice a day. Fruits can take up to a week to infuse properly, so keep tasting and when you get the desired flavor, break it open, ice it, and serve.

Work Out..In The Early Morning: "Boot Camp" sounds more like torture than a workout routine, but not to the dedicated followers of Robin Hart-Cohen, a former dancer whose Los Angeles-based Hart's Fitness Camp promises all gain, no pain. And you don't have to live in Southern California-follow her schedule for a week during the cool(er) wee hours of the morning to keep your physique in place through August. Lest you think it's time to throw in the towel, there are plenty of beach days ahead to keep you inspired.

To see nine more ways to beat the heat wave, visit The Daily Beast.

Or, distract yourself from climbing temperatures with these great stories:
This Week In Red Carpet Glam
10 Most Expensive Summer Camps
J. Lo's Media Victory

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/07/22/beat-the-heat-wave/

bungalow renovation cabinet cabinet refacing california general contractors

Paper Waste Basket from Bottle Cups.

The Next time you want to throw Bottle cups away, think twice, with some imagination and a lot of work you could do amazing Stuff. Stuff. Bottle caps. Zip Ties.(A Lot). Dremel or solderer Gun or triangular File. Nail Trimmer. Patience. ( A Lot). Plastic paint Cup. Hole, hole, hole....
By: Mr.Sanchez

Continue Reading »

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Waste-Basket-from-Bottle-Cups/

building a house building a retaining wall building a room addition building an addition

USB Flash drive in Car Key Shell

I thought it would be funny to have a flash drive that was branded Honda or Ford or Chrysler, etc. It just so happens I had a junk car key. So I hacked of the key blade, hollowed out the plastic key head.\, and epoxied a flash drive inside.    Parts, Supplies and Tools Parts. 1. Flash D...
By: vv_767

Continue Reading »

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/USB-Flash-drive-in-Car-Key-Shell/

bathroom tiles bathtub refinishing bay area contractors bedroom additions

Top 20 Essential Tools from the This Old House Pros

The TOH TV crew dishes the dirt on the tools they use at every job site—so you'll know just what to look for at the hardware store

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisOldHouseLatest/~3/__3BeKf34B8/0,,20513958,00.html

basement remodeling company basement remodeling contractor basement remodeling costs basement remodeling design

Laptop keyboard light

Helpfull laptop light for the keyboard Materials: old cassette glue gun saw eraser led lantern usb cable tape spring from a pen 220ohm resistor Get an old cassette and disassemble it. We need only one part. Cut something Some paper Cut two pieces of paper 2cm width 28...
By: nadiaka97

Continue Reading »

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Laptop-keyboard-light/

architectural design arizona general contractors atlanta handyman service atlanta home improvement magazine

Snazzy Aluminum Lawn Chair Re-Web Makeover

Everyone has at least one of these old aluminum lawn chairs tucked into a dusty corner of the garage or porch. And every spring you think about how you should really just toss it, but then where would you sit come summer? Sure, you could go out and but new ones, but where's the fun in that?

Source: http://www.curbly.com/kellyb/posts/10610-snazzy-aluminum-lawn-chair-re-web-makeover

atlanta home remodeling atlanta home repair atlanta remodeling contractors atlanta renovation

Applying Countertop Paint to Textured Plastic Laminate

Craig asks, ?I would like to refinish my textured plastic laminate countertop with countertop paint. Will the texture cause problems when refinishing??

You can use countertop paint on textured laminate, but the textured surface will tend to show through. Read on to find out more.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/scMTIqvg1Eo/

basement remodeling floor plans basement remodeling ideas basement remodeling plans basement renovation ideas

Snazzy Aluminum Lawn Chair Re-Web Makeover

Everyone has at least one of these old aluminum lawn chairs tucked into a dusty corner of the garage or porch. And every spring you think about how you should really just toss it, but then where would you sit come summer? Sure, you could go out and but new ones, but where's the fun in that?

Source: http://www.curbly.com/kellyb/posts/10610-snazzy-aluminum-lawn-chair-re-web-makeover

basement design basement finishing basement finishing atlanta basement finishing systems

Good Door Locks Provide Security

The world of door locks has come a long way from the time when people used to hang a latch string out a hole in the door then pull inside at night to prevent intruders from opening the door. So, while modern door locks provide way more security than a latch string ever could, it's easy to be confused by the seemingly endless types of locks now available.

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/good-door-locks-provide-security

bungalow renovation cabinet cabinet refacing california general contractors

Rock Your Little One to Sleep Nerd Style

You know that drink holder that came with your computer that says "CD ROM" on it? Turn out it can be used for more than just a beverage shelf. With this simple script, you can program it to open and close endlessly. Tie it to a baby rocker and you've just got yourself a few precious hours of freedom from being a parent. [via]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/S56T-oe79JA/rock-your-little-one-to-sleep-nerd-style

bathroom makeovers bathroom pictures bathroom refurbishment bathroom remodel ideas

Outdoor Furniture from Martha Stewart Living

The Martha Stewart Living line of outdoor patio furniture is available in a range of durable materials ? including cast aluminum and synthetic wicker ? that won?t rust and will hold up to the elements. Watch this video to find out more.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/7Px1mpzFNsY/

bathroom remodel ideas bathroom remodel pictures bathroom remodeling bathroom remodeling contractors

How To Make a Hotdog USB

This instructable will show you how to make a hotdog USB. Making The Roll Take some brown or tan clay and make brick shape. Than flatten out the middle so it looks like a hotdog roll. Making The Wiener Take some redish clay and roll it into a a thin cylinder. Putting The Wiener In The Roll ...
By: BLT Warrior

Continue Reading »

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-a-Hotdog-USB/

building home addition building materials building renovation building supplies

Walkie Talkie Camera Trigger

Here's a great MacGyver tip on how to make a remote (very remote) camera trigger using a couple of walkie talkies. This idea came from the desire to take nature photography from a remote location and a unique viewpoint (although we're pretty sure by "nature" the inventor means "women's locker room").

Anyway - a very cool project. Putting together some simple electronics is required. Go find out how to make your own walkie-talkie camera trigger. [via]

macgyver, photography

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/iSTGsC_Ce6E/walkie-talkie-camera-trigger

building construction building contractors building costs building design

Car key magnetic switch plate hook

This is the final product:  A surprisingly strong magnetic key hook that takes just a few minutes to do.  It is ridiculously inexpensive and does not involve replacing your existing plastic switch plate. I did not even use tape or glue.  This is so easy I debated not even posting it. However, som...
By: instructablesar

Continue Reading »

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Car-key-magnetic-switch-plate-hook/

basement remodeling company basement remodeling contractor basement remodeling costs basement remodeling design

Do It Yourself Building Challenges

Building your own home as a do it yourself project is a major undertaking. Before you calculate all the man-hours required to build your house. It is not something that can be done part time. Be sure you have the time to do it properly.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/892_Do_It_Yourself_Building_Challenges.shtml

basement waterproofing bath bath design bath remodeling

"School of Fish" Decorative Sink Drain

Tired of looking at a boring metal circular drain when you fill your sink? Perhaps you need a decorative drain that adds a bit of whimsy to your bathroom. The 1.5" School of Fish drain from Linkasink is available in...

Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/school_of_fish.php

building an extension building and remodeling building company building construction

Easy Chopsticks for kids

All you need is the chopsticks and paper case and a rubber band Construction fold the piece of paper into a thick strip and rubber band it in between the chopsticks. Done done
By: cfilloux

Continue Reading »

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Chopsticks-for-kids/

building renovation building supplies bungalow remodel bungalow renovation

Live Wallpaper

Turn a blank wall opposite any window into a live action wallpaper by effectively turning the entire room into a giant camera obscura. The view from your window will be projected (upside down) onto the opposite wall with the use of only a bit of cardboard, tape, and a lens available from your local optician. The effect is pretty cool - but wouldn't it be possible to flip the image right side up again by using a second lens? [via]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/CHn-9F6orgc/live-wallpaper

bathtub refinishing bay area contractors bedroom additions bedroom remodeling

"School of Fish" Decorative Sink Drain

Tired of looking at a boring metal circular drain when you fill your sink? Perhaps you need a decorative drain that adds a bit of whimsy to your bathroom. The 1.5" School of Fish drain from Linkasink is available in...

Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/school_of_fish.php

atlanta home improvement magazine atlanta home remodeling atlanta home repair atlanta remodeling contractors

Random Recast: Popsicle Sticks Day 3

Filed under: Crafts

In Random Recast, we find new uses for ordinary things. This week: Popsicle sticks.

pureandnoble.blogspot.com

When is a refrigerator a canvas? Not when your little one starts finger painting with ketchup, but when you add "paint palette" magnets made from Popsicle sticks. Just dip the ends of each Popsicle stick in paint, then glue on a magnet. For the complete instructions, visit the fab blog Pure & Noble.

Want more uses for Popsicle sticks? Check out...
Random Recast: Popsicle Sticks Day 2
Random Recast: Popsicle Sticks Day 1

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/07/28/popsicle-sticks-magnets/

basement ideas basement remodeling basement remodeling company basement remodeling contractor

How To Cut Round Bullnose Drywall Beads With A Mider

This is how we cut round drywall beads that meet in a 90 degree corner. We are going to be using a tool called a "Mider" to mark our lines so that our corners have no gaps where they meet. If there's gaps between the two beads, it's more likely to crack there. You can pick up a mider tool at any how...
By: bluntman001

Continue Reading »

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Cut-Round-Bullnose-Drywall-Beads-With-A-Mid/

advanced home improvements affordable home improvements alaska home improvement all home improvement

UHU USB Glue Stick

By: jpereira pinto

Continue Reading »

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/UHU-USB-Glue-Stick/

bathroom makeovers bathroom pictures bathroom refurbishment bathroom remodel ideas

DIY Colorful Swirled Clay Bangles

It seems like every which way we turn this summer there's another great do-it-yourself�jewelry�project using polymer clay. This one is no different, learn how to make these colorful swirled bangle bracelets perfect for back-to-school, gifts, or decorating your own wrist.… Continue reading on Curbly.com

Source: http://www.curbly.com/kellyb/posts/10613-diy-colorful-swirled-clay-bangles

apartment renovation apartment repairs architect architectural design

Random Recast: Corks Day 4

Filed under: Small Projects, Know-How, Living Spaces

In Random Recast, we find new uses for ordinary things. This week: Corks.


Yes, I know what you're thinking: That's a lot of corks. But would it make you feel any better if I told you that each cork was sliced in half? So really, it takes half the corks you'd think to create this mat. Using real cork will make this mat antibacterial, mildew- and water-resistant. Your local wine bar (or fine restaurant) can often supply you with a bunch of corks, but I've also heard that wineries will ship old corks to you if asked. For the full tutorial to create this bath mat, visit Craftynest.

Want to catch up with this week's Random Recast: Corks? Check out...
Random Recast: Corks Day 3
Random Recast: Corks Day 2
Random Recast: Corks Day 1

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/07/21/bathmat-made-from-corks/

basement design basement finishing basement finishing atlanta basement finishing systems

Tortoise Habitat

When my African Sulcata tortoise (George!) was first hatched 4 years ago in August of 2007 I was completely overwhelmed with how to properly care for him and house the little guy.  He will eventually get 50-100 pounds and will be gigantic (among the top three largest species of tortoise).  Due to hi...
By: stevequag

Continue Reading »

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Tortoise-Habitat/

bathroom improvement bathroom makeovers bathroom pictures bathroom refurbishment

DIY: Woodland Cakestands

Hi & Hello! Kelly here from The Spotted Fox ! Check out our simple, DIY, woodland-inspired, cakestands! Lovely as a centerpiece for rustic weddings and events. Check out the full tutorial HERE .. and happy craftin'!
By: theSpottedFox

Continue Reading »

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Woodland-Cakestands/

building a room addition building an addition building an extension building and remodeling

DeskSquid: The Ultimate Helping Hand

Need a hand? A good set of helping hands is crucial for any tiny jobs you might have - especially when dealing with electronics. An extra set of nimble fingers goes a long way. Mike from Instructables has put together a guide for making the ultimate set of helping hands using some commonly available pieces.

DeskSquid / Helping Hands. [Thanks, Mike]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/Fc23t1Y360I/desksquid-the-ultimate-helping-hand

anglia home improvements apartment remodeling apartment renovation apartment repairs