How hard can it be to pick the Right Hammer?!

How hard is it to pick the right hammer? It’s not as easy for Divas as one might think. It goes without saying that having the right tool for the job is essential to any project. However, when buying tools, Divas need to make choices with an eye to size and fit in their hands. For instance, even non-Divas know that if something needs a nail, the tool of choice is usually a claw hammer.

However, are you aware that one very well known national hardware chain carries 139 different hammer sets? It seems that every weight, size, and shape is available. But few are designed with a Diva’s hand in mind. When picking up a hammer, the first thing I notice is its length and weight. While some jobs demand hefty power, if the hammer doesn’t balance in your hand, it will be quite difficult to swing properly and connect with the target. The result will be fresh dents in the drywall which now also need to be repaired (but that’s a whole different blog!).

Oftentimes it’s a good idea for Divas to choose lighter hammers that can be held comfortably. This allows us to efficiently maximize the power from our swinging arm. Divas can be left out in the cold when searching for tools that fit our hands well. Does the staff at any hardware store say, “Let’s go to isle 10 and see what hammer fits you best?” Not in my experience. But then, I prefer to shop without sales clerks hovering around and making comments every time I pick up a different item.

Complete descriptions of tools, such as weight, length, etc. are provided to us. The bottom line is that when Divas equip themselves with tools that fit properly, projects are fun and the outcomes outstanding

When Should a Diva Do It Herself?!

Have you ever looked around your home and been overwhelmed by all of the changes you would like to make? Old houses can be especially challenging. The character that drew you in can quickly disappear when the upstairs faucet begins to leak and the color of the kitchen has lost its charm.

Cost versus time is often the decision point that prevents Divas from getting everything fixed at once. Each project comes with its own pro and cons. Oftentimes, it seems that many projects would be better off in the hands of a professional handyman. But Divas take good care of their money, so paying more for a fix than seems necessary can make one think twice before cashing in the spa vacation fund to pay for repairs that all do-it-yourself Divas yearn to do themselves.

Many times, it’s not one particular project that slows us down, but being able to prioritize everything that we want to accomplish – and having the patience to bite off one piece at a time. Here are a few things to consider:

A. Will not fixing a problem create a safety hazard, such as broken pipes or exposed electrical wires? Please don’t try to fix electrical or gas problems yourself! These require the skills (and expense) of a professional.

B. How long will this project disrupt my Diva lifestyle? Many jobs can take hours, days or weeks longer than first anticipated. How much disruption is one Diva able to take? Is she willing for it to take longer by doing-it-herself or is this a good enough reason to hire someone?

C. How much work is the Diva willing to do for herself? If not all of the painting, how about the prep work like taping off the room and sanding?

D. Is there a family member that knows how to do small home repairs? Where was I when my brothers learned how to do these things? Luckily they were willing to share their knowledge with me when I was single. They weren’t only motivated by love….it prevented them from receiving future calls from me for help!

E. If you don’t have a ready resource, try our family trick: call or stop by the local fire station and ask if anyone does side work on his or her days off. Every firehouse seems to have a plumber, carpenter, painter, etc. ready to help on their days off.

F. If an expert needs to be brought in, does the Diva have the gumption to ask for a list of necessary supplies that she can buy herself and have on hand? This allows for discount shopping and prevents one from paying ultra mark-ups that go directly out of the Diva’s pocket and into that of the handyman!

Updating your home every few years increases its value and will make you money in the end. And that makes all the difference. Small projects are easy to do if you plan the date, time, and budget appropriately. Keep your eyes peeled every minute of the day for good sales, good workers, and a good rate on your return. Fix-it-yourself resources are abundant in bookstores, home repair stores and on-line. If you hire someone else to do the work, make sure to check his or her references. It may seem tedious, but this is the most important step in the whole process!

Security?

Divas know about security! There are different types of security: financial, career, family and home security, to name a few! But does every Diva have a proactive plan for keeping her home secure? If someone interfered with your financial security you would call your bank and if one of us lost her job, she might call an employment agency. But what can we do daily to reinforce the security of our home? Of course we would call the police and hope they catch the bad guys. But would anyone be able to reestablish your lost sense of security? Our home was broken into a few years ago. It was very difficult to overcome the violation that we felt. But my husband and I talked to a home security expert and were really amazed at the simple plan we could put into place to prevent another break-in. So we made a home security checklist that we check every time we leave or go to bed:

1.) Are there deadbolts on every exterior door? Are these deadbolts locked at night?

2.) Are the screen doors locked?

3.) Is the sliding glass patio door locked at night?

4.) Have we checked to make sure that all of the closed windows are tightly locked?

5.) Do you have audible alarm systems on your windows?

6.) Is the timer set on an inside light?

7.) Are the exterior sensor lights on the garage working?

8.) Are the cars locked and the keys in the house?

9.) Is the spare remote control to the garage door in a secure place?

10.) Is the entry door from the attached garage to our home shut and locked?

These 10 easy steps can help every family sleep more securely at night. This list is by no means finite, but will force a potential invader to stop and decide how difficult it will be to get away with his plans.

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