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The summer is the perfect time to get outside and spruce up that barren backyard to give some final touches on your new home. A backyard project doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if you’re willing to get your hands a little dirty and test out your ingenuity. Here are nine affordable, DIY ways to decorate your new yard.

Tiki wine torches

This one’s especially great for the wine lovers out there. You can use your leftover bottles to create your own personal Hawaiian luau full of recycled Tiki torches. The bottles don’t have to be from wine – anything with a 1” neck will do, and the rest of the equipment is typically available at your local hardware store. Aside from being a nice decoration, Tiki torches will also help keep those pesky mosquitos away so you can enjoy your yard without breaking out the calamine lotion.

Vertical garden planter

Do you fancy yourself as someone with a green thumb? A vertical garden planter can help you grow your own herbs while also saving valuable space in your yard. There are plenty of ways to make a vertical garden planter, from lumber to ladders to wire. You can construct a vertical garden however you’d like and add a little flair to your yard.

Backyard drink table

If you like to entertain or host cookouts, it’s much easier to have a place to prepare and store drinks outside than in. By using an old desk, side table or sewing table you no longer use, you can create your very own vibrant drink station. With a little elbow grease, you can even add a compartment for ice to keep your martinis cool.

Backyard teepee

This one’s great for the kids! Instead of purchasing a tent for the little ones, build your own backyard teepee. You don’t even have to sew it together. It’s a beautiful, unique addition to any backyard that also provides a place for late night camping adventures and reading sessions with the kids underneath the stars.

Wooden lounge chairs

Are you looking for a little rustic appeal? A DIY lounge chair is a perfect way to bring a woodsy feel to your backyard. You’ll need to be a little handy with some electric tools, or know someone who is, to put this stylish lounger together. It’s really not as hard as it might seem, and in doing so you’ll help eliminate yard waste.

A gnome home

Mythical creatures certainly brighten up any environment, so build a little home to give the illusion of a backyard filled with mischievous little gnomes. This one really only works if you’ve got a tree in your backyard, or at least a stump. Heck, you might even be able to build your own faux stump if you’d like. You can find most of the supplies at your basic craft store to design any kind of gnome home you desire.

Personal fire pit

Rather than spend time digging out a hole in the ground or stacking heavy stone blocks together to make a fire pit, how about making a portable, personal fire pit instead? With some silicone, pebbles, a metal planter and some glass frames you can put together your own for $25. Just remember to bring it inside during extreme temperature changes to avoid breaking the glass.

Hanging bird bath

You’ll probably attract more birds with a bath that resembles a nest. Simply purchase, or make, a grapevine wreath and wrap it around a terracotta plant saucer, then hang it from a tree. You can even get the kids involved and have them create some bird treats out of seeds and cookie cutters to go along with your bath.

Terracotta pot table

Another ingenious use for terracotta would be to make your own table for extra space to put your drinks. Simply purchase a large pot tall enough to work as a table, a plate to situate on top and feel free to paint it any color you’d like to match your décor. Just be sure the paint you use is suitable for outdoor weather.

There’s really no limit to the amount of ways you can make your new backyard a fun, beautiful place to relax and entertain. Let your imagination run wild and look for ways to utilize old furniture, wood or other recyclables lying around your house after the move and turn them into displays for your yard.

Some other ideas might be to use old tires to create large planters, coloring pebbles in glow-in-the-dark paint to make them light up at night or to create your own greenhouse using old windows. Give these a try and let us know all the other creative ways you find to repurpose your leftover goods for your new backyard space.

Moving to Charlotte? Newcomers to the Queen City should prepare for royal treatment, because this growing metropolis has something for everyone. Though it’s earned its moniker as the International Gateway to the South, Charlotte has retained its small-town feel and traditional Southern hospitality. Here are five resources to help you fit right in with the friendly locals.

Creative Loafing (CL) Charlotte

Charlotte’s weekly alternative newspaper, “Creative Loafing” (or CL), includes an event guide on its website that allows you to narrow your event searches by region, venue, or staff recommendation. CL has an especially good pulse on Charlotte’s nightlife and should be your go-to resource for area arts and entertainment. CL publishes a “Today’s Top 5” feature with the best daily events in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Its annual “Best of Charlotte” awards also showcase a reliable roundup of the best restaurants, nightlife venues, and retail shops.

NoDa.org

Make some time to visit the website for Charlotte’s local arts district, North Davidson (NoDa). Once a mill town built around textile factories, many of the area’s old buildings have been reborn as artist studios and local shops in trendy, walkable neighborhoods. NoDa residents still maintain the close community feel that characterized the district in the early 1900s, though with a slightly more contemporary twist — there are bimonthly gallery crawls, farmers markets, art markets, and regular block parties. NoDa’s website offers a great directory of all the local goings-on, so you can easily find the best places to listen to area bands or shop for artisan gifts.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

The foundations of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library date back to the 1800s, when it opened as a subscription-only service started by prominent citizens. Today, there are 20 locations that serve over a million citizens in Charlotte and the surrounding suburbs. Regular library events include children’s story time, book clubs, and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Also keep an eye out for special events, like craft lessons, book signings, and community movie nights.

Charlotte tourism events calendar

This comprehensive events calendar on the official Charlotte tourism website features everything from world-class cultural performances to professional sports games. Part of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), the calendar and its host site cater to a wide range of both residents and visitors. Check out this resource to stay in the know.

News Talk 1110 WBT (1110 AM and 99.3 FM)

Rush hour in Charlotte can get a little crazy—all the growing business communities clog the major interstates during peak traffic hours. As such, local news and sports talk station WBT 99.3 FM is an invaluable resource for commuters. The station thrives on locally produced news and has a rich cultural history. It dates back to the 1920s and has been broadcasting music, sports, and news for nearly a century.

Plenty of people move to Charlotte every day. If you’re preparing to be one of them, get ready for a whirlwind of exciting experiences. Know any other great community resources? Sound off in the comments.

Have you ever dreamed of that perfect house in a landscape you love in a location far, far away from where you are right now? Fortunately for you, finding that dream home has gotten much easier, thanks to social media and sophisticated search engines. We’ve rounded up a few tips to help you locate the home of your dreams in whatever far-off locale you’re moving to:

1. Use online home search tools

There are a host of home search tools available. When looking at different search tools available in different countries, however, certain standouts emerge. For home searches within the United States, Zillow is the most popular tool. It allows you to search home listings by neighborhood and price, view walkability ratings, as well as research local schools and cultural amenities. If you’re searching internationally, you’ll need to do some digging to find the appropriate search tool for your location. Many people in Canada use REALTOR.ca and Zoopla is a popular tool in the U.K. If possible, ask people who live in the country which search tool is best.

2. Find a local realtor

You may be able to get by without a realtor when house hunting in your own city, but having one when searching from a distance is going to be a lifesaver. Realtors rely on connections, community knowledge, and deep ties to the neighborhoods where they work to aid in your home search process. Finding one you can trust in your destination is more than worth the investment. Just be sure to keep up regular communication. The more your realtor knows about what you are looking for, the better home recommendations you’ll receive.

3. Connect with friends on social media

Whether you’re moving to London, Kentucky; London, England; or England, Oklahoma, chances are you can find connections there through social media. You may find friends of friends who live in your chosen destination and who can offer tips on neighborhoods, typical home prices, and things to avoid. Or you may be able to find a group for people new to the area that offer tips you’re looking for. No matter what it is, or what platform you engage with this information, the digital social world is a great resource.

4. Take virtual tours

When you’re trying to decide if you like a space, you don’t necessarily have to shell out the money to travel to see it in person. All you really need is a realtor, an Internet connection, and a video conferencing account (see Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet). Check with your realtor to see if they’d be willing to give you a virtual tour of listings they think are right for you, or if you can find any already online. Once you’ve seen the living space, check out the neighborhood using the Street View feature of Google Maps. Using this, you can stroll down the street and take in the surroundings just as though you were there in person.

5. Schedule your in-person tours all at once

Once you find places you like through the digital space, it’s time to go check them out in person. Working with your realtor, narrow down your prospects to a handful of locations, then try to schedule a series of tours on the same day. This will save you the hassle and expense of scheduling multiple trips to see separate houses.

Searching for a house far away can be easier than you think. By using online tools, finding local connections, and seeking the help of a realtor, your cross-country move can be as simple as if you were just going across the street.

Whether you’re tackling a small apartment or an oversized estate, making your home’s interior design look Instagram-worthy is not as easy as it looks. Could an interior designer solve your problems, or will you end up paying too much for furniture that doesn’t fit your style? Before you start designing your new place or booking an appointment with an interior designer, ask yourself these six questions.

1. “How much furniture and decor do I already have?”

If you already have furniture and decor, an interior designer may not be helpful, as he or she will have to work with what you have. There are only so many ways you can position a couch in a room, after all. If your new place is a blank canvas and you have only minimal furniture, an interior designer can help you identify your personal style and ensure your furniture and decor flow nicely from one room to the next.

2. “How large is my space?”

While there is an art to decorating a small apartment, it may not be cost-efficient to hire an interior designer. Interior designers frequently charge by the hour, and they may require a minimum number of hours. You may need only two hours of work for your apartment, but if there is a five-hour minimum, you’ll end up paying for more than you need. If you are moving from a small apartment to a large home, an interior designer can help you fill the extra space you now have and find new furniture that works with what you already have.

3. “What’s my budget?”

When considering your home design needs, establish a budget. On average, an interior designer costs between $50 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience. If your total budget is under $500, it will be difficult to purchase home furnishings and pay the designer’s bill, too. If you have a large budget and need to purchase a significant amount of furniture, an interior designer can help you find the right pieces and stay within your budget.

4. “How specific is my taste?”

If you prefer unique homegoods and imported pieces that aren’t easily found at local stores, an interior designer can save you time and money. Designers have access to connections, resources, and merchandise not readily available to the general public. If specialty pieces aren’t as important to you, you may be better off doing the shopping for yourself.

5. “How much time do I have?”

Are you looking to immediately move into your new place, or are you willing to slow down the process? While the interior designer will take some tasks off your plate, you still need to provide input and check on the progress. To ensure you like the decor and to avoid any surprises, dedicate time on your calendar to work closely with the designer. Furthermore, an interior designer will require more than a weekend of work. He or she will research trends, shop for new items, and ask for your feedback. If you hire an interior designer, don’t expect to settle into your new home with all of your furniture within a week.

6. “What are my other resources?”

Do you have a friend whose design taste you admire? Are you willing to dedicate time to online research? If you don’t mind searching the Internet for DIY interior design tips or asking a stylish friend for help, you can find a happy medium between blindly decorating your home yourself and spending the money on an interior designer. Have you worked with an interior designer before or tackled the task yourself? Tell us about your interior design experiences in the comments.

Looking to move north of the border? While Canada is great and all, there are plenty of alternatives around the world. From Belgium’s food to Ireland’s drinks, here are our ten suggestions for countries you can move to if you want to look beyond the Great White North.

1. Belgium

While the weather can be a bit iffy, most citizens speak English as a second language, love Americans, and really love their beer. They make over 800 varieties of it. In fact, there’s not really a better reason to move to Belgium: beer, waffles, frites, and chocolate. Don’t forget to pack your appetite.

2. Japan

Japan is another great option for relocation. Not only will you be able to find American fashion knock-offs for incredible prices, but you’ll get your hands on some really amazing Japanese fashions before the rest of the world. And who wouldn’t love a diet of sushi, ramen, and sake? The Japanese value simplicity in all things. Bonus: Sumo wrestling is the national sport.

3. England

Although it’s the Motherland for English speakers, you may have some trouble with the wide variety of accents. The English are pretty chill and tend to mind their own business. When it comes to food, you can never have too much shepherd’s pie or fish and chips, right?

4. Ireland

Guinness.

Oh, ok, fine. They also speak English, and if you like wild, stormy nights in the company of some genuinely kind people, this country is for you. Plus they love to dance and play some mighty fine dancing music (They gave us U2 and Hozier, y’know). The Irish also adore golf, so if you’re keen on a round of 9 holes followed by a pint or two, you’re going to want to keep Ireland’s 300+ greens in mind.

5. Norway

Architects, designers, decorators – listen up! This place is a mecca of Scandinavian design. Your mid-mod sensibilities and passion for shades of white will meet their equal in Norway. Not to mention your love of cross-country skiing. Norway has lightning-fast Internet speeds. And fjords.

6. Belize

In Belize, not only is English the first language, but the temperature rarely drops below 50 degrees. While living in a tropical rainforest may not sound ideal, just think: the beach is only 60 miles away in almost any direction! And if one of your biggest complaints in America is the traffic, then Belize is definitely for you. They only have 4 highways.

7. Sweden

This country is for the competitive among you – the Swedes are born winners. No, seriously – the whole country has 612 Olympic medals. Imagine how they do on their high school exams! Sweden has the second fastest Internet speeds in the world. It is home to ABBA, Ace of Base, and IKEA. And in the summer, you can attend traditional crayfish parties! Yum!

8. Cayman Islands

What’s better than a turtle farm and preserve, with over 16,000 turtles? Pirate Week! And what goes well with pirating? Money! The Cayman Islands are the world’s fifth largest financial center (ahem, offshore accounts). Not only will you be living on an island while you’re pirating and turtle-watching, you’ll add to the adventure by driving on the left-hand side of the road.

9. Australia

Are you just sick of people? Perfect – Australia has three times more sheep than people. And Aussies speak their own version of English that’s pretty easy to pick up on (here’s a tutorial). They make really good wine, have annual cockroach races and the Great Barrier Reef, and are a very relaxed bunch of folks. Plus, they invented rugby, which is like American football only better because play never stops, even if someone gets injured. And kangaroos.

10. Panama

Why move north of the border when there are plenty of countries to choose from south of the border? Just to name one, Panama has year round amazing weather, with temperatures dropping below 75 very rarely. You can own a car if you’d like, but the public transportation in the country is superior to most other countries. And the people of Panama are always friendly and inviting, giving you more “patacones” than you can probably handle.

Due to its potential wow-factor, the kitchen is often one of the first things to get updated when a house is put on the market. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case for rental properties. If your rental has a less-than-stellar kitchen, there’s a way to spruce it up without breaking the bank. Contact paper offers several easy options for updating it in a nonpermanent way — without spending a lot of money or begging your landlord for a costly renovation.

While it may have an old-school feel to it, the bold colors and patterns of contact paper can add a fresh, new look to any kitchen. Use our five tips to transform even the dingiest rental kitchen into an oasis of style and comfort.

1. Brighten those shelves

Pick a contact paper in a print and color that matches your kitchen design aesthetic and that will work with the color and pattern of your dishes. Carefully line the shelves or the back of the cabinets with the contact paper. Either way, once your cabinets are filled with your dishes and goodies, you’ll be amazed at how much better they look.

If you’re extra adventurous, consider removing the cabinet doors so you can see the contact paper — and your eclectic set of dishes — all the time. Just be sure to carefully store the cabinet doors so they can be reattached when you move out.

2. Draw on your doors

If you decide not to remove the cabinet doors, you can make them more attractive and functional with specialty contact paper, including cork and memo board types.

Select one or two cabinet doors to accent and carefully apply the paper to the front. Within moments, you’ll have a corkboard or a chalkboard to keep grocery lists or write notes to family members or roommates.

3. Make those toes pretty

Add a pop of color to the toe kick under your cabinets by adding contact paper to the small area between the bottom of your cabinets and the floor. A little color and pattern there can give a small area a big impact.

4. Add a splash to your backsplash

Contact paper on the backsplash behind a sink is a quick and easy way to update smaller, dated-looking tiles. Look for patterns that will enhance the look of not only your kitchen but also other rooms that open up into the kitchen.

Cut the paper into larger pieces to cover the entire portion of the backsplash or, depending upon the pattern you selected, cut it to the size of the individual tiles to make your own interesting design.

5. Upgrade to stainless

Stainless steel is a popular option for kitchens, but older rental units may not include these updated appliances — and you probably don’t want to purchase new ones for a rental property. The good news is that you can get that sleek stainless look by using the appliances you already have and a few dollars’ worth of contact paper.

Grab a project buddy, then measure the size of the area you want to cover and cut the paper to fit. Apply the paper to the appliance from the top down while your project partner smooths the paper with a credit card to ensure that no bubbles remain.

Once the paper is applied, take an X-Acto knife or a razor blade and carefully even out any ragged edges. With careful application, the contact paper can give you a look that will fool all but the most discerning guests.

Just the beginning

Once you get the hang of using contact paper, you may find yourself looking around your kitchen for more opportunities to make updates. Consider these options:

• Add contact paper to your laminate countertops to make them look like granite.
• Create labels from brightly colored contact paper to use on your canisters.
• Use clear contact paper to line the shelves of your refrigerator. When spills happen — and you know they will — any stains will be on the paper, not on the shelves. The paper can then be easily removed, thrown away, and replaced.
• Make stencils and add stickers to your walls or cabinets to create your own patterns and designs.

If a previous tenant added contact paper you don’t agree with, don’t fret. It’s easy to remove old contact paper: all you need is a hair dryer and maybe rubbing alcohol or a sticker remover to remove any remaining stickiness. The heat from the hair dryer will warm any stubborn glue and help the old contact paper lift off in larger, more complete sheets.

With a bit of effort and creativity, you can give your rental kitchen a brand-new look without breaking the bank — and with something that is completely removable when you move on, so you don’t get in trouble with your landlord. How have you used contact paper to renovate your rental space? Comment and let us know!

Stains happen. Unfortunately, there’s no telling when or where they will happen, so it’s good to know whether those home spun stain removers can get out those pesky stains before they set in. There are plenty of stain removal products on the market, but there is no guarantee that you’ll find one in your cupboard when you knock over your glass of red wine on a Friday evening, or get grease on your favorite jeans while tuning up your bike.

The following five home stain removers have been proven time and again to get the stains out.

Aspirin

After a hard work out, most people head for the aspirin to combat their aches and pains. What you may not have known is that aspirin is not only a pain reliever, it’s a sweat stain remover. That’s right, one aspirin tablet can remove the sweat stains left on your clothes after your work out. Simply crush one aspirin tablet and dissolve in 1/2 a cup of hot water (or two tablets in 1 cup of hot water). Let the aspirin dissolve in the water. Put the stained area of the fabric in the solution and leave for two to three hours. Rinse and launder the garment as usual.

Club Soda

We’ve all heard that club soda will get out red wine, but is it true? In fact, it is. Club soda is an excellent stain remover for red wine, and plenty of other spills. It can be used on pretty much any fabric that can be treated with water. Club soda can even be used to dab on spills on dry clean-only fabrics to help stop a stain from setting. There are several reasons why club soda should be your go to stain remover. First, it dilutes the staining liquid, such as red wine. Second, the carbonation brings the stain particles to the surface of the fabric. Third, the salt found in club soda helps stop the stain from setting in the fabric, which makes it easier to get rid of no matter how you have to clean the area, or piece of clothing.

WD-40

I bet you didn’t see this one coming, but yes, WD-40 is great for removing many different types of stains, as well as stopping things from squeaking around the house. Grease, oil, makeup, crayon, and lip gloss and balm stains can all be removed with a spray of WD-40. Spray the area of the stain with a light coating of WD-40 and leave for about 10 minutes. Work undiluted dishwashing soap into the stain and then launder, or clean, the fabric as you usually would. As well as getting rid of new stains, WD-40 can help clean stains that have set in.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Like WD-40, hydrogen peroxide can be used on all types of stains from tea and coffee to protein-based stains like blood and milk. If you are planning on using hydrogen peroxide on a stain, use only three percent hydrogen peroxide and test on hidden area. Blot the hydrogen peroxide on the stain and let it bubble for a few seconds before blotting off. Repeat until the stain has been removed, or as much as possible, and then launder immediately.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a natural bleach, so it’s great for any spots on white clothing or fabrics. Dabbing lemon juice on spots on white clothes and then laying them in the sun is a great way to get rid of annoying stains. It can even be used to remove rust stains from clothes. Lemon juice can be used on colored clothing, but you should test the clothing as it can cause discoloration. Also, adding cream of tartar will help reduce the bleaching effect of lemon juice if using it on colored clothes.

Time is of the essence when trying to get any stain out, so you don’t want to waste it trying things that just don’t work. It’s important to note, that some removers are for a specific type of stain only. Also, not all stain removers work on all fabrics, so be careful treating stains on any delicate fabrics.

One of the best things about a smart home is that it can be customized to accommodate your preferences and anticipate (almost) every need. But what happens when you decide it’s time to move? We’ve compiled this handy guide to mastering the art of moving in the age of smart homes.

Moving Out of a Smart Home

You probably already have a smart home hub that connects your security system, lights, and thermostat, all while turning on your coffee maker every morning. But some automated systems require control panels to be installed and wired right into the walls of your home, which makes relocating difficult. If you have to say goodbye to some or all of your current smart home tech, here’s how to do it right:

• Take inventory: Make a list of all your connected devices, user manuals, vendor websites, customer support contacts, and any other information relevant to your smart home system.
• Get disconnected: You don’t want the new owners of your home to have access to your information. As soon as you know your move-out date, take action to disable all administrative and user access.
• Let everyone know: Alert vendors and manufacturers about the pending change in ownership, and leave the vendor information and equipment manuals with your real estate agent to hand over to the next occupants.
• Clean the slate: It’s likely that your temperature preferences will not be the same as the next owners’. Reset programmed or learning devices, like smart thermostats, to factory defaults. This makes it easy for the next family to train the system their way.
• Update software: This is a security must — for both you and the people who will be moving in. Make sure all smart devices and software are up-to-date to ensure the latest security and encryption protection from hackers.

Taking Your Smart Home with You

Some smart home systems and equipment don’t have to be left behind. If you move a lot, these are the best ways to take advantage of smart home tech without losing your mobility:

• Opt for portable smart hubs: Make sure you can take your smart home with you by choosing an easily movable hub, like those from Google. These hubs can be just as powerful as integrated home automation systems, but they don’t require drilling or hard-wiring to install.
• Use smart switches and outlets: You can automate your small appliances and lighting by changing out ordinary switches for smart ones. There are some DIY solutions that help you connect all of your corded electronics to your hub and to each other. The best part is how easy they’ll be to unplug and take with you the next time you move.
• Leave the equipment, take the service: If you already have a smart home but don’t want to deal with tearing out the wall-mounted control panel yourself, check with your provider. Many smart home tech companies will want you to keep the service you already enjoy, and they may offer supplementary devices or installation services for your new house

Moving into a Smart Home

Whether you’re building a new house or buying one, moving is the perfect opportunity to reconfigure — or start — your smart home operation. If you’re ready to get started with some new smart home tech, keep these tips in mind:

• Work with what you have: You may already have some smart devices that will be moving with you. Double-check compatibility between existing smart home technology in your new home and any smart gadgets you already own.
• Clear the decks: If you’re moving into a smart home that was set up by former residents, verify that all prior owner access has been disabled.
• Watch the budget: A smart home is definitely convenient, but it takes an investment to get things going. Keep in mind that things like smart lightbulbs are more expensive, but they should save you money in the long run on your power bill.

If you run into any issues during your move, don’t hesitate to consult with a home automation pro or reach out to a device’s manufacturer. Got any tips from firsthand experience on moving your smart home?

Have you ever had one of those days where your want-to-do list keeps tapping you on the shoulder, looking at you with puppy-dog eyes, saying, “Please. Please pick me! I’ll be fun and fulfilling, I promise.” And then there’s your much-longer need-to-do list, who is managing to give you panic attacks every time you get a glance of it out of the corner of your eye. Which one would you pick? Here’s a DIY project that mixes both together to give you a greta-looking jewelry organizer. And who knows, maybe you really NEED somewhere to organize your jewelry today. You’ve just had it with the tangled necklaces and mismatched earrings. No judgement, just saying.

What you’ll need (30 minutes to make):

• Foam core, preferably white, unless your fabric is dark
• Self-healing cutting mat, or other surface (like cardboard) that is ok to cut into
• Hot glue gun, plus extra glue sticks
• Embroidery hoop, around 18″
• Fabric scissors
• Pencil, or pen
• X-ACTO knife
• Decorative tacks
• Small cup hooks
• Fabric of your choice (for example, 5/8ths of a yard for an 18″ embroidery hoop)
• 1 Nail (not pictured)

Instructions

1. Gather your supplies.
2. Trace the inside of the hoop onto the foam core with your pencil.
3. Place your foam core onto your cutting mat, and you will cut along your line very carefully with your X-ACTO knife. Take it slow. There’s no rush. Tip: Turn the board as you cut, rather than walking around the table to cut the circle out. Once it’s cut out, try “popping” it into your hoop. It should fit pretty snug, and you should have to finagle it in there, without bending the foam core, of course. If it needs some trimming, have at it. But remember, take it slow. Small slivers off at a time, if needed.
4. Once the foam core fits to your liking, take it out. Lay your fabric out, wrong side up. Trace loosely with your pencil onto the fabric about 2-3 inches wider than the hoop. Then cut it out.
5. Loosen the hoop by unscrewing the screw at the top, so that the inside hoop comes out.
6. Layer the outside hoop on bottom, then fabric face-down, then inside hoop. Push the inside hoop in so it’s snug and fabric is tight.

7. Pull the edges of the fabric up so that everything is snug. Trim the extra fabric so there is about 1″ of fabric sticking out of the hoops.
8. Pop your foam core back in and press it against the fabric.
9. Hot glue around the edges of the foam core. Hot glue the fabric down towards the foam core.  You’re not going to see the back, so don’t worry about making it look pretty.
10. Flip it over to the pretty side. Put your tacks in however you’d like.
11. Screw the hooks into the bottom of the hoop. These are so teeny that you can just do it with your hand.
12. Now you’ll just need one nail to put into your wall. Nail it in there, leaving the head of the nail an inch or less out from the wall. Hang your hoop onto the nail. You might need to do some teetering to make it hang straight. Hang your bracelets and necklaces on it and you can now cross that pesky need off your list.

American households spend an average of 25.8% of total average earnings on housing costs, from mortgages to property taxes. While this falls under the 28% rule, there’s no harm in saving even more for daily living expenses or paying off debts. One of the best ways to lower housing costs is to reduce your mortgage. Here are seven mortgage tips and hacks that won’t hurt your credit or put you into further debt.

1. Refinance to a lower interest rate

One popular way to reduce your mortgage payment is to refinance to a lower interest rate. With a reduced rate, you will have lower monthly payments, which come with less interest. One downside to refinancing is that you can expect to spend three to six percent of your loan principal on closing costs. Make sure refinancing will lower your interest rate enough to cover your closing costs and save you money in the long run.

2. Refinance to a shorter-term mortgage

Another way to change your mortgage is to refinance to a shorter-term loan. Most homeowners have a 30-year mortgage, but you can significantly reduce your interest rate and pay off your loan faster by refinancing to a 15-year mortgage. While you will incur closing costs for the refinancing process and have a higher monthly payment, a 15-year term will help you finish paying your mortgage sooner.

3. Pretend you have a shorter-term mortgage

Refinancing to a shorter-term loan requires you to make higher monthly payments, which can be a burden for many. Instead of spending the time and money to refinance, an alternative is to pay as if you have a shorter-term mortgage. Aim to pay an additional one-twelfth of your payment (principal and interest) each month — about $50 on a $600 payment. This is the equivalent of making an additional monthly payment each year. You’ll pay off your loan a few years early and save money in interest. Check with your loan company on any rules regarding making payments above your minimum.

4. Set up biweekly payments

An easy and automated way to pay off your loan faster is to follow a biweekly payment plan. You likely have an escrow account specifically for your mortgage payments. Every other week, put half of your monthly payment in that account. With this method, you will put 26 half payments, or 13 full payments, in your savings account. After a year of paying your regular monthly payments, you’ll have saved enough for an extra full payment. You can pay that extra amount as additional principal. As with the previous tip, check with your loan company first on any payment rules specific to your mortgage.

5. Reduce or eliminate your mortgage insurance

Some homebuyers are required by their lender to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI). This may be your situation if you put less than 20 percent down on your home or refinanced with less than 20 percent equity. PMI typically costs between 0.5 and 1 percent of your entire loan amount — with a $200,000 loan, you could be spending $2,000 per year on this insurance. Luckily, you can reduce your PMI costs or remove them entirely if you meet certain conditions. Two ways to do this include paying down your mortgage balance to 80 percent of your home’s original appraisal value, or getting a new appraisal.

6. Reduce your homeowners insurance premium

If you have an escrow account, a portion of your homeowners insurance payment goes there with your mortgage. While homeowners insurance is essential, there are ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality coverage. The simplest way is to request new quotes from different insurance companies and switch to the policy with the lowest price. Another option is to reevaluate your current coverage and look for ways you can save. For example, if you’ve recently installed a security system or other safety enhancements, you may be eligible for a discount. When in doubt, ask your insurance agent.

7. Invest your escrow check back into your mortgage

Payments for your homeowners insurance and property taxes come out of your escrow account. Each year, your escrow account is analyzed to evaluate any insurance or tax fluctuations that result in either a payment shortage or overage. If you paid less than anticipated, your lender will send you a refund check for the surplus amount. Instead of cashing that check, use the money to make extra payments toward the principal balance of your mortgage. This won’t change your monthly payment total, but it does decrease your loan balance. A home loan can seem overwhelming, but there are many ways you can tackle your high monthly mortgage and save money. By incorporating a few of these tips into your payment plan, you’ll feel more confident and in charge of your finances.