Last Commented HowTo Blogs (280)

Anyone tried this, used this, have any tips to offer on this? I have hideous tiles in my kitchen / living room and decided after some research* that LVP was a good interim measure (right now I can't afford the kind of tiles I'd like) and I've got half the kitchen done (the easy half) and am beginning to think I bit off more than I chew. My usual expert for the tricky bits is ill, I've an enthusiastic husband (not my own) offering to help with the finishing (if DIY guy is still sick next week) (there's a deadline of 20th March, no pressure eh?) but he said cheerfully he knows nothing at all about LVP but how hard can it be

So while I am taking a break and trying to stop my fingers sticking to the keyboard, I wondered if anyone has done it for real because it doesn't seem quite as straightforward as the videos with experienced DIY guys / girls made it look. They were gaily enthusiastic but there are breaks in the recordings which I am now eyeing with suspicion.

*I'd never heard of it before, I was looking at laminate click-together flooring and that led to vinyl click-together and then to the self-adhesive type. Shorter life but easier maintenance / repair / replace bits, and "So Easy To Lay". I am quoting.





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A designer I worked with a few years ago took an assignment in a foreign country. I didn't ask, but the pay must have been enough for her to pack up and relocate. She contacted me with a request to do the design for her younger sister's bathroom renovation. I said yes and to my surprise, the sister already started some of the demolition, ordered custom glass doors and was getting bids from a few contractors.

The goal was to enlarge the bathroom by taking the wall out to the adjacent closet. Okay, I get it... where do you plan to relocate the closet? They had no idea.
Since it wasn't a bearing wall, she was okay with taking a few feet from the living room in order to enlarge the bedroom in compensation for enlarging the bathroom.
I took measurements, asked 30 questions and came up with a design... It was totally different than what was in her or her sisters heads.

She said she was 'blown away' I was able to make everything fit. She loved it.

My statement was "Thanks, but it's only the first round concept. We need to confirm if what I'm suggesting is doable. Plumbing, electrical and air conditioning duct work will need to be moved."

One of the requests was to locate the main wall more toward the living room from where I showed. The problem there was the custom glass door was in production and no changes could be accepted. That means the opening for the door has to be shifted a few feet. It's an exterior wall and expensive to relocate.

I resubmitted drawings showing the enlargement/revisions while she got a price from the contractor and was going in the direction of "Let's do it" but her older sister said, wait... this needs more thought. I agreed, since my dimensions were only concept and they knew I had to return to remeasure and get exact sizes.

On Tuesday, the younger sister said she made a decision and wanted to get started right-away. I couldn't go yesterday, but made it a point to go there today.

Thinking they would start in a week or two, I was surprised to find all the demolition was done. The contractor tore up the place. The floor tile was gone, all the interior partitions removed, gutted electrical and a/c duct work hanging from the ceiling.

The "Oh shit" exception: He already built and drywalled the wall between the bedroom and living room according to the OLD SET OF DRAWINGS. The sister wasn't working with the revised set I emailed 2 weeks ago. I spotted this mistake immediately as the revision had the wall about 4 inches from the door casing and I could see it was more than a foot.

I had a set of revised drawings with me as I was going to put my new dimensions on them. Too late for that. I gave that set to the contractor who will move the wall he installed today and will work through the changes to fit the conditions.

Hopefully they won't charge her too much to move the wall, probably a few hundred in labor.

It's a good thing I caught that mistake before all the electrical, a/c and plumbing was done. Otherwise, she would have to accept it the way it was, or pay a few thousand to have the changes made.

To those who are affected... Happy Valentine's Day!
To those who aren't affected... Happy Valentine's Day!

According to Wiki:
Valentine's Day aka Saint Valentine's Day is celebrated February 14.
Originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine and through later folk traditions, it has also become a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.

So go out and spend $100 $200 on dinner and roses to show her your love!

Citizens of the United States have the privilege to vote in elections and there are a few rules that must be followed. You must be 18 or over, a resident (with some homeless exceptions) and not a convicted felon. You can register to vote online, by mail or in person at a local election office. Birth certificate or ID is required for a voter card to be issued. It usually takes a few weeks to receive your voter registration card in the mail.

When you go to vote, you will be asked to show a photo ID and that information will be cross referenced to confirm you are allowed into a voting booth to cast your vote. One registered voter, one vote.

Mail-in votes have some rules as you must request a ballot prior to an election. Only ONE will be sent out that is imprinted with your identification details. Mail-in ballot requests have a time limit and you will be notified that new requests have to be made for future elections.

From what I have read, the data base used to confirm who is on the eligibility list and who is not, is constantly updated. One thing it does do, is to verify if someone is deceased. So if you scoop up your dead uncle's photo ID and voter registration card, you may have an interview with election security at the polls.

I'm calling it Bootgate and you can quote me on that! Soon to go viral, people are wondering how tall Florida Governor Ron DeSantis really is. He's out on the campaign trail with hopes to be the 'chosen one' for the Republican party at the 2024 election. A man who's body shape and stature being shorter... he played baseball, so there should be some statistics on that. I think some stories claim he's are around 5'-7" or 5'-8" but mister 'boots' may be hiding something inside... lifts to make him taller. But, how much taller?

I've read that DeSantis has claimed he's 5'-11" and that would mean the lifts would bring him up at least 3 inches. Why the suspicion? One photo showed the toes of his boots are flattened... as if his toes aren't there. 3" lifts would do that as his heels get propped up, his toes wouldn't reach the front of his boots. Simple geometry.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.



When approached, he denied it.

Story link here:

Ever felt like you’re losing out in arguments?

Well, get ready as I’m about to reveal 10 cool tips from psychology that can help you.
These are real techniques that anyone can learn and apply.
1. Understand the Other Person’s Perspective
The first and possibly most important psychological trick to get the upper hand in any argument is empathy.
Understanding their perspective doesn’t mean you have to agree with them, but it can help you see why they feel the way they do.
Ask yourself: “Why might they feel this way? What experiences or beliefs could be influencing their point of view?”
2. Stay Cool and Collected
Ever heard the saying, “keep your cool while others lose theirs”?
This is crucial when you’re in an argument.
If you lose your temper, you’re likely to say things you’ll regret later.
Deep breaths can help.
3. Use ‘I’ Statements Rather Than ‘You’ Statements
Here’s a simple yet powerful switch that can make all the difference in an argument. Instead of starting your sentences with ‘you’, which can come off as accusatory and put the other person on the defensive, use ‘I’ statements.
For example, instead of saying, “You never listen to me,” try saying, “I feel like I’m not being heard when I speak.”
4. Listen More Than You Speak
It might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes, the best way to win an argument is to listen more than you speak.
When we’re engaged in a heated discussion, our natural instinct is often to defend our position and make sure our voice is heard. But here’s the thing: If we’re too busy talking, we might miss out on understanding the other person’s point of view.
5. Seek to Understand, Not Just to Win
This one is more about your mindset going into an argument. If your sole aim is to win at all costs, you might end up winning the battle but losing the war. That’s because a victory won by bulldozing the other person can damage your relationship in the long run.
In essence, arguing doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game where one person wins and the other loses. Instead, it can be an opportunity for both parties to learn, grow and come to a mutual understanding.
6. Avoid Absolutes
When you’re in the heat of an argument, it’s easy to get carried away and start using absolute terms like “always” and “never.” But absolutes can make the other person feel attacked and defensive, which can escalate the argument instead of resolving it.
7. Admit When You’re Wrong
No one likes to be wrong. But let’s face it, we all mess up sometimes – it’s part of being human. The problem is, when we’re in an argument, our pride often gets in the way of admitting our mistakes. We dig in our heels and defend our stance, even when we know deep down that we’re in the wrong.
Here’s the truth: Stubbornly sticking to your guns when you’re clearly wrong doesn’t make you look strong or smart – it just makes you look, well, stubborn. And it won’t get you any closer to resolving the argument.
8. Use Silence Strategically
Silence is a powerful tool in an argument that many of us often overlook. When used correctly, it can shift the dynamics of the conversation and even put you in control.
When you’re silent, it forces the other person to fill the void, often causing them to reveal more about their thoughts and feelings. This can give you more insights into their perspective and provide you with valuable information that you can use to shape your arguments.
9. Focus on the Issue, Not the Person
In the heat of an argument, it can be easy to start attacking the person instead of addressing the real issue at hand.
But personal attacks only lead to hurt feelings and more conflict, not resolution.
10. Know When to Walk Away
Let’s be honest: not every argument is worth having.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to simply walk.Link: Mindful living

If you’ve come across mice in your home, it’s time to act fast, mice infestations can become a huge problem, and it’s time to tackle the problem before it gets out of hand!
When you see mice, many people go straight to the traditional methods, such as traps and/ or poison. However, if you’re looking for a more natural approach, we’ve got you covered, because today we are talking about using cloves to keep those pesky mice away!
Cloves contain a substance called eugenol, which has quite a unique and strong odor. This scent is believed to be unappealing to mice, turning their adorable little noses up at the smell.
But wait – there’s more! The eugenol in cloves might just be potent enough to mask the scent of the food they’re after, making it difficult for the mice to find their way to your pantry.
So, where should you place these delightful little cloves in your home to keep mice at bay, and how many cloves are needed? Let’s continue our research and uncover the aromatic clove secret.
Key Takeaways:
• Cloves contain eugenol, a strong scent that repels mice.
• The eugenol in cloves may mask the scent of food, making it difficult for mice to navigate to it.
• Proper placement and quantity of cloves are necessary to effectively keep mice away.
Did you know that the powerful scent of whole cloves can help keep mice away from your home? Mice despise clove aroma, making these tiny dark brown buds quite effective in repelling them.
Why do mice hate clove scent, you ask? Well, science shows that the strong aroma of cloves interferes with their olfactory receptors. Mice heavily rely on their sense of smell for communication and navigation purposes, so exposing them to cloves creates a disorienting effect!
The idea of using herbal scents to repel mice was studied by the University of California. In this study that found that the PSM (Plant Secondary Metabolites) are successful as a repellent, and in the case of cloves the PSM is the eugenol, which is what keeps mice away!
Strategically placing whole cloves in problem areas around your home can deter mice from entering. Some popular spots to place cloves include:
• Cabinet corners
• Pantries
• Behind appliances
• Near baseboards
Keep in mind, however, that freshness is key! Make sure to replace your cloves periodically to maintain their potency.
Link: pestpointers.com

No one likes to hear the telltale scuttle of mice behind walls. They may be small and harmless-looking, but they bring a lot of problems with them. First and foremost, mice can carry disease and parasites into the house, and you don't need to be bit by one to be affected. Instead, according to Healthline, viruses and illnesses can be spread by their droppings, which will be plentiful. The risk increases if you come into contact with their droppings in a poorly ventilated area, such as a crawlspace. Not worried about illnesses? Then you should be worried about property damage. These small animals can chew through drywall and electrical wires, which can lead to something as serious as a fire. Luckily, you can banish them with the help of a pantry staple: salt.
You can use it in lieu of traps and as a natural poison, and you can use it as a way to ensure they don't die directly in your house. Whatever your need, sprinkling salt around the house will help you keep pests off your property. Here's how to do it.
How to use salt to banish mice:
Salt is poisonous to mice because it severely dehydrates them. To use salt to drive them out of your house, you can use one of several methods. The first is to sprinkle it directly on surfaces or areas where you know they are. If you have found mouse droppings in your crawlspace, under the stairs, or on shelving, sprinkle a liberal amount of salt there for them to consume. If you try this and it doesn't work, you may have to combine it with a food item that mice are naturally drawn to, such as peanut butter. Lay down a paper towel or plate, put a glob of peanut butter on it, and heavily sprinkle it with salt. That should be enough to attract them to the bait.
If you have pets at home, keep them away from the areas you leave salt traps in. Though salt won't be fatal to them, it can still be quite harmful, as consuming excess amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea. 
Why it works:
This hack works because salt severely dehydrates mice, and eating a large amount of it is toxic to them, damaging their liver and kidneys and eventually shutting their bodies down. They will instantly start looking for water to counteract the poison, which can drive them out of your house before they perish. While some people prefer to get rid of mice humanely and release them into the wild, this might not be the best idea if you have an infestation. Mice are intelligent creatures and tend to return to the place they think is "home." 
Since mice need a lack of water for this trap to work, you need to be diligent about covering up any water sources before going to bed. Address any leaks, mop up any spills, close the toilet lid, and cover nearby faucets with a rag. This will ensure the salt does its job, pushing them out of your home.
Link:housedigest.com

Here are 11 negative phrases to ditch if you want to think more positively and feel more confident, according to behavioral scientists, researchers and psychologists.
1. “I have to do that.”
What to say instead: “I get to do that.”
Swapping that one little word will change your attitude in a big way. It makes you look at something as an opportunity, rather than an obligation. Even if the task is unpleasant, it can teach you new lessons and open new doors.
2. “I can’t do that.”
What to say instead: “I can try to do that.”
Don’t admit defeat before you’ve begun! When you tell yourself that you can try, you’re not only giving yourself a chance to accomplish something, you’re also not setting up excessively high expectations, which makes it easier to actually succeed.
3. “I should do that.”
What to say instead: “I will do that.” (Or “won’t do,” depending on your mindset).
“Should” is a controlling word, and it puts pressure on us. So put yourself back in charge. Drop the “should” and make yourself the decision-maker by choosing whether or not do something on your own terms.
4. “Why is this happening to me?”
What to say instead: “What am I learning from this?”
When you ask yourself what you’re learning, you turn something that’s bugging or upsetting you into something that can lead you to better things. You’re not complaining; you’re simply finding the good in what might be a difficult time.
5. “I never should have.”
What to say instead: “Because I did that, I now know .”
When you rephrase this thought, you begin to think about the good things that happened because you did something that you thought you shouldn’t have. Maybe you met someone you wouldn’t have met, or you discovered something wonderful about yourself.
6. “I failed.”
What to say instead: “This attempt didn’t work.”
So maybe something you tried to do didn’t turn out the way you expected. You didn’t get that new client, or you didn’t get the promotion you wanted. But if you tell yourself that you failed, end of story, you’re being unfair to yourself. Remember that there will be other opportunities.
7 . “If only I had done .”
What to say instead: Nothing!
We’ve all had our “if only” moments. “If only I had spoken up at that meeting with my idea,” or “If only I hadn’t answered that interview question that way.” But this is dead-end thinking. You’re not learning from the past, you’re just lamenting and making excuses. 
8. “This is too complicated.”
What to say instead: “I don’t understand this right now.”
When you face a new challenge by immediately telling yourself that you’ll never get your mind around it,  you’re making it sound like it’s an unchangeable fact. This means you’re subtly telling yourself that you can’t change or grow, which, of course, is nonsense. We are all works in progress.
9. “It’s not fair.”
What to say instead: “I can deal with it anyway!”
Sure, life can feel unfair sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep repeating that negative mantra to yourself and feel beaten down. Face that perceived unfairness head on and look for solutions that will get you to where you want to be.
10. “It’s never going to change.”
What to say instead: “I can change the way I approach this.”
This is another case of going from passive to active. Put yourself in charge of the situation. You think it can’t change? Then change your approach to it and thoughts about it!
11. “Never” (or “always”)
What to say instead: Avoid absolutes altogether!
If you find yourself saying something like, “I’ll never get the promotion I want,” or “I always get overlooked,” take a step back to put things into context. Life isn’t black and white.
Link:CNBC.com

My ex passed away on mother's day. We didn't end on good terms and I feel so sad. Although we hadn't spoke in over 3 years but i knew something was wrong after I kept dreaming him two nights in a row. Finally I called his phone only to have his mom tell me he had passed. What's eating at me is I just discovered loads of messages he had been sending me in my trash folder....