A Mantle For All Seasons

We've all see the cozy photos of a room with the family Christmas tree with all of the gifts around it. The fireplace decorated with garland all the way across the mantle with stockings filled to the brim, Or the one of a man and woman sitting in front of a fireplace having a romantic meal with a roaring fire and candles lit all the way across the mantle for ambiance. Winter has just hit for this year and many people have fireplaces, but may not have mantles over them. There are many different types of mantles in many different types of materials. Some people like very simple, smooth, wooden mantles that may either be stained or painted. Others may like a mantle that is very thick and rustic made of hewn wood such as cedar. You might want an antique mantle with lots of ornate woodwork and carvings or even a brick mantle. Whatever your choice, a mantle can be a wonderful addition to a fireplace that you can personalize in your own way with photos, clocks, or books. The possibilities are endless and you can spice them up even more for every holiday.  Check out the link below to see how to add a mantle to your fireplace.



http://hippshelp.com/how-to-construct-a-fireplace-mantel/

Make Your Own Halloween Ghosts

It's almost Halloween and kids are preparing to be scared out of their pants from all of the props or decorations that cover yards and houses. There are several different things that will make kids and maybe even some adults scared and one of the most common is a ghost. Ghosts are such simple spirits, no pun intended, that they are easy and very inexpensive to create. You can hang them from your trees or your porch or even have them hovering around in your yard. With just a few simple materials and a great imagination, your house and yard can be a graveyard of fun! Check out the link below to see the materials you will need to make your Halloween a spooky good time!



http://hippshelp.com/how-to-create-halloween-flying-ghosts-for-your-front-yard/

Have Yard, Will Play

Everybody loves their dogs and just like people, dogs need exercise too. One thing that would help them get the exercise they need and create the type of environment that your dog will enjoy and not become bored with, is to create a play area. Dogs are a lot like kids in that they love to play. You want to create a place for them that it is ok to do this in, otherwise your entire yard will be torn to shreds! You can do this in an inexpensive way that is easy to do. With just nine simple steps and some materials, you will have a place that makes your dogs happy and you as well. You will both be getting the exercise you need and will still have a yard of your own that looks great. Just click on the link below to see what materials you will need and the steps to create a play area for your dogs.


http://hippshelp.com/how-to-create-a-dog-play-area-in-the-yard/

Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake

Cheesecake is one of those mouthwatering desserts that will get you applause if you make it right. It takes time to make one, but it is worth the effort. It is a great dessert that can be eaten for breakfast with a cup of coffee, or after a meal. You can even have it as a midnight snack. There is no wrong time to eat cheesecake! That rich creamy texture mixed with strawberries will be a delight to your mouth. You can always go and buy a cheesecake that is professionally made, but why do that when you can make the same one at home and get all the credit for it? Making your own will also save you money. The right recipe in the right hands will have your guests coming back for more and begging you for a copy of it! Click on the link below to get the ingredients you will need to make your winning cheesecake.



http://hippshelp.com/how-to-make-cheesecake-factory-strawberry-shortcake/

Something New From Something Old

Everything has a purpose. Well, almost everything! There are some things that have even more than one purpose. If you can look beyond what something was to what something can be, sometimes you can end up with a really neat new piece. For example, a wire basket that's old and rusted, can be painted, turned upside down, and made into an awesome light fixture. Here's a thought for a funky, cool headboard...an old picket fence with salvaged wood. You can make it look so many different ways. It can be painted or stained and in this case, it is white washed. It will give you that country or coastal feel to your room. With just a few supplies and just a few simple directions, you can create a headboard with a new purpose. Just click on the link below to see how to do it.



http://hippshelp.com/how-to-repurpose-a-picket-fence-into-a-headboard/

Closet Under The Stairs

You buy a little house in the country with a loft upstairs and move what small amount of possessions that you have into it. Then you get married and start a family. Over the years, your small amount of possessions that you had turns into a lot of stuff! With a house that has a staircase, you can create an extra little nook where you can store a lot of stuff that you might otherwise have run out of room for. Things like videos and dvds, books, or toys. Maybe even a place for your pet's food. It can be a place where you can turn a space that was wasted into a space with a purpose.  In just six simple steps you can have it finished and put whatever you want there and give it a creative flair that you designed all on your own, with shelving and paint that makes a statement.  Take a look at the link below to see how it can be done.


http://hippshelp.com/how-to-construct-a-closet-under-the-staircase/

A House Fit For A.....Dog

Our dogs. They do so much for us. They're happy to see us when we get home, they protect us, and they love us unconditionally. A lot of our dogs live inside the house with us living their luxurious lifestyles, but there are so many that are outside dogs. It would be really nice if we could give them the kind of house that every dog deserves that would keep them from getting wet when it rains or even protect them from the temperatures, whether it is hot or cold. The only kind of dog house that would give your dog this kind of protection would be an insulated dog house.  With a few materials and six steps, you can make your mutt very happy and know that you have provided him/her with the kind of house they need.  Take a look at the link below to see how to build your dog a house they can call a home.



http://hippshelp.com/blog/2012/06/26/how-to-build-a-dog-house-with-insulation/