Home School'd Podcast

Welcome to the last day of Home School’d! Thats right! Todays the final episode of season 1! We’ve had such an amazing time learning with you, and today we’re recapping some of our favorite episodes, PLUS we’ll see how much information we actually retained. This year we covered everything from emergency preparedness to maximalism (yes, that is a thing!) and watched our show name take on a whole new meaning as we shifted our recording set-up from in-studio to quarantined at home. We’re so excited to chat about some of our most memorable moments and celebrate our awesome school year.

Today’s guest instructor, Friday Apaliski worked for six years at San Francisco’s Department of the Environment. In her time there she witnessed first-hand just how complicated and nuanced being environmentally conscious and sustainable can be. For anyone looking to green their home this amounts to a firehose of overwhelming information that leads to confusion and inaction. Not many have the countless hours required to research the products and programs best suited for their goals. They want an expert to talk them through options, in plain English, and assure them that their choices are in fact beneficial. Friday’s company, The Sustainability Concierge does just that! She is passionate about the environment and an unrelenting optimist, who jumps at every opportunity to make the sustainable choice both obvious and easy. By the end of this class you’ll have Friday’s take on emergency preparedness and creating a less toxic home. The cleaning products Friday recommends: meliorameansbetter.com HOMEWORK: Watch "The Story of Plastic" and "Mossville". FIND FRIDAY: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

Today’s guest instructor, Friday Apaliski worked for six years at San Francisco’s Department of the Environment. In her time there she witnessed first-hand just how complicated and nuanced being environmentally conscious and sustainable can be. For anyone looking to green their home this amounts to a firehose of overwhelming information that leads to confusion and inaction. Not many have the countless hours required to research the products and programs best suited for their goals. They want an expert to talk them through options, in plain English, and assure them that their choices are in fact beneficial. Friday’s company, The Sustainability Concierge does just that! She is passionate about the environment and an unrelenting optimist, who jumps at every opportunity to make the sustainable choice both obvious and easy. By the end of this class you’ll have Friday’s top tips for becoming more energy efficient and a breakdown of light bulbs (because there are so many!) The video Aaron referred to: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/lighting/21124559/how-to-understand-the-lighting-facts-label FIND FRIDAY: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

For many homeowners, refinancing their mortgage can be a difficult decision. There are costs to consider, applications to complete, and the process requires time and energy that’s hard to come by these days. On top of that, we are in uncertain times- which has people wondering if it’s a good time to get involved with anything real estate related at all! Today’s instructor, Matthew Garland is the Division Manager at United Northern Mortgage Bankers Limited. He is passionate about real estate financing, and uses his multiple platforms and speaking engagements to educate and empower homeowners. By the end of this class you’ll have a better understanding of refinancing, a break-down of the costs involved and an inside look at the current real estate market. FIND MATTHEW! INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE WEBSITE

Today we’re going to talk about how homeowners can improve water efficiency and reduce costs. Our instructor, Paula Henson has worked in landscape design, water conservation and environmental education since 1998. She loves teaching and writing about water, soil, gardening, education and urban design.  She has contributed to Pacific Horticulture magazine, the Green Gardens Group, the Urban Water Group and The Designer magazine- just to name a few- and currently she is running the environmental education program at L.A. City Kids School. We are so honored to learn from her today. By the end of this class you’ll know what rain water harvesting is and if it’s an option for you, have action steps for conserving water with more efficient irrigation, and some basic tips for water friendly landscape design. 

Today’s instructor, Arta Nubani of Junglecasita is a self proclaimed crazy plant lady who started an Instagram account to document her plant growth and obsession. She’s created a space where plant lovers can feel inspired, learn more about plants, and get tips for incorporating them into their home decor- and today she’s spilling it all. By the end of this class you’ll have some basic tips for plant care, answers to your most common plant woes and some next level ideas for plant styling. FIND ARTA: INSTAGRAM- @junglecasita YOUTUBE- Jungle Casita  WEBSITE- junglecasita.com HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

Put on an addition or move to a new house? It’s a question that crosses the minds of many homeowners who’d like to make a change to their current living situation. Adding on or expanding a home can sometimes be just as stressful as moving. There are contractors to hire, important decisions to make and in many cases, a lot of money to spend.  On top of that, many families find themselves living in the construction zone- which isn’t always ideal. But sometimes finding what you’re looking for in a new home or changing locations just isn’t possible.  So if you're dreaming of a home addition, this episode is for you. Today’s guest instructor David Hopkins is currently the VP of construction for Welker Properties in Dallas and also runs the popular DIY YouTube channel, Tough Guys TV. We are thrilled to talk about things to consider before starting a construction project, with someone who is equally supportive of DIY and contracted work. By the end of this class you’ll have the pros and cons of adding on vs buying a new home, a checklist for starting the process and tips for taking on some of your own construction work. Class is in session. FIND DAVID: Instagram: @toughguystv YouTube: Tough Guys TV HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com  

Home ownership is part of the American Dream and to some that means having the biggest house on the block. While the size of one’s home is truly a matter of preference, today we’re going to explore the benefits of living small.  With larger homes comes the responsibility of maintenance and upkeep which takes up time and money, especially if you have a busy life-plus there’s  pressure to fill the space with more stuff- so perhaps on the home front…bigger isn’t always better. Today’s guest Laura Fenton is the author of The Little Book of Living Small and the former lifestyle director at Parents magazine, where she oversaw all the home content for the publication.  A writer with more than fifteen years of experience, her work has appeared in major publications including Better Homes & Gardens, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, and on leading home websites including Remodelista, HGTV.com, ElleDecor.com, Curbed, and Refinery29.  Through her writing she has explored the topic of living small for more than a decade. She lives small with her husband, a photographer, and their son in Queens, New York. Her book The Little Book of Living Small is A comprehensive guide to small-space secrets and real-life solutions for living in 1,200 square feet or less- but today we’ll also cover if it’s possible to “live small” in our existing spaces. By the end of this class you’ll have actionable tips for down-sizing, motivation for making changes in your everyday life, and advice for maximizing your square footage. FIND LAURA: Instagram: @Laura.alice.fenton Book: The Little Book of Living Small  HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com  

On this episode we're sharing a bonus clip of our interview with Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi of The RV Atlas. We're discussing the ins and outs of buying or renting your first RV.

New parents Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi worried their days of traveling were over―with full-time jobs and infant twins, taking time off to go exploring hardly seemed possible. But they missed the way that travel brought them closer together and knew it would help them grow as a family.  So, they bought a pop-up camper and embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. The campground was their vacation destination, and Stephanie and Jeremy became experts at creating lasting family memories without breaking the bank.  Whether you’re new to camping or a seasoned pro, today’s guests Stephanie and Jeremy are going to teach you the different ways that camping can lead to a happier, healthier family.  From trip planning tips, to navigating RV dealerships and even exploring in this new time of social distancing―these campers are going to cover it all.  Their book See You at the Campground is packed with personal anecdotes, packing lists, site recommendations, and recipes that will foster a love of the outdoors, and today we’re going to get the low down on all of it. By the end of this class you’ll understand the benefits of camping, have a guide to growing closer as a family and tips for packing and set-up―whether it’s in a cabin, tent, or RV.  Class is in session! What are some different types of campgrounds? Private Camp Grounds- Amenities, hotel type experience, more expensive, perhaps a little farther from the “destination”. Public Camp Grounds- More rustic, less amenities, beautiful surroundings/premiere location. Do your research this year to see what facilities are open- call campgrounds directly. Can you share some of your trip planning tips? How much time do you have? How long do you want to travel? Pick a destination first and then pick the best camping opportunities to support that. Read a ton of reviews! Some campgrounds might be more suited for a party weekend, and others for families. What are some of your packing tips? Get a checklist! You can find some great ones here: thervatlas.com Pack tubs and even color code according to person/category that you can easily swap in and out. Stock the RV for the season and then just replace items as needed. What are the benefits of camping for kids? They can be “free. You don’t have to try to control the environment the way you would in a hotel. Parents can enjoy time together once the kids are asleep and not get held “hostage” in the hotel room. Homework: Rent a cabin as a first experience! Buy See You at the Campground! Find Stephanie & Jeremy: Podcast: The RV Atlas Website: TheRVAtlas.com Book: See You at the Campground HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

Homesteading. It’s a term that’s associated with the expansion of the United States in the 1800’s but a new generation of self-reliant entrepreneurs has adopted the term and lifestyle and turned it into an attractive option for a broad number of people who are willing to work hard towards providing for themselves and their families.  With the current pandemic, it’s become increasingly apparent how reliant our society has become on outside food, resources, and essential items that we need and want everyday. It’s exposed weaknesses in our food and other supply chains that are ultimately felt on an individual level.  Today’s instructor, Anne Briggs of Anne of All Trades, has been working for years towards building a lifestyle of self-sufficiency and has a big head start on the rest of us. She started her own homestead in Seattle years ago and has recently moved to the Nashville area where she’s starting from scratch with a new homesteading project.  From gardening to raising livestock, woodworking to blacksmithing, Anne has learned on the fly with a fearless do-it-yourself attitude that has made her not only a successful homesteader, but also a social media sensation who shares her can-do attitude with her large following.  By the end of this class you’ll have an idea of what it takes to create your own homestead, how you can identify things around your yard that you could add to your diet, and how you can start with some small changes to create a more self-sufficient lifestyle.  Class is in session.  Gardening isn’t as hard as you think! Anne mentioned: Raised beds, hugelkultur and planting simple beds with wood chips as examples of easy gardening. Check out the tutorials on her site. Check out this app to identify plants: Picture This Can you afford to homestead? Anne makes sure every investment pays for itself. Some things she does to offset costs is participating in a heard-share, selling eggs and using social media for extra income. Have a tiny space? You can do so much with a balcony or window sill. Grow plants on your kitchen counter! Get involved in your local CSA’s, visit farmers markets and join your local homesteading and gardening groups on Facebook. HOMEWORK: Go outside and plant something edible! FIND ANNE: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

QUESTIONS: What is Damascus steel?   What do you need to get started in blacksmithing? Whats the name of Craig’s program for the military? ANSWERS: It’s a type of steel recognizable by the watery or wavy light and dark pattern of the metal. Craig referred to it as a “metal lasagna” because of the layering of metal. An anvil, hammer, steel, tongs and a heat source (a coal forge or a propane forge). Craig recommends gas for beginners.  Forging for Fighters. Here’s the info: HERE! HOMEWORK: Plant some flowers that support the bees! “Get inspired and make things”- make something, anything! FIND CRAIG! @thebarefootforge TheBarefootForge.com The Maker’s Happy Hour Podcast Youtube

Today we’re checking off a bunch of boxes with an instructor whose skillsets are as varied and diverse as his passions! From dukw boats and blacksmithing to beekeeping, we’re touching on it all.  That’s right, today’s instructor, Craig Cowan, is a former Duck boat tour guide and is the owner of The Barefoot Forge, a Premiere blacksmithing school in Pittsburgh, PA. Using a variety of blacksmithing techniques, Craig teaches people how to create unique hand forged metal keepsakes including how to make their own beautiful damascus steel wedding rings. Each piece is handmade and unique to its creator for a truly one of a kind item.  In addition to blacksmithing, Craig is also an accomplished beekeeper with years of experience catching, and developing hives to create locally produced honey in Pittsburgh.  By the end of this class, you’ll have an idea of what’s involved to create your own unique damascus ring, how to set up your own forge at home, and why you might want to pick up beekeeping (or not) as your next hobby!  What is Damascus steel?   It’s a type of steel recognizable by the watery or wavy light and dark pattern of the metal. Here’s some info on making your own ring at Barefoot Forge: Click here! What do you need to get started in blacksmithing? An anvil, hammer, steel, tongs and a heat source (a coal forge or a propane forge). Craig recommends gas for beginners. Spend 7 days bringing up the anvil to everyone you talk to and you’ll get some for free. Forging for Fighters Info: HERE! HOMEWORK: Plant some flowers that support the bees! “Get inspired and make things”- make something, anything! FIND CRAIG! @thebarefootforge TheBarefootForge.com The Maker’s Happy Hour Podcast  

QUESTIONS: What was one of Monica’s home hacks? How does Monica balance projects and motherhood? What was one of Monica’s money saving tips? What was one of Monica’s techniques for getting out of creative slumps? ANSWERS: Wrap your paint brush in a wet paper towel and put it in the fridge for up to 3 days instead of having to continue to clean it. Her and her husband plan their projects, and when possible she involves her son. Work with what you have! Try to save in one place in order to splurge in another. Busy work! Monica finds smaller projects that will keep her hands/mind busy and that usually sparks ideas. HOMEWORK: Just go for it! Just try! It’s ok to mess up and it’s ok to fail. FIND MONICA:  INSTAGRAM BLOG SHOP

We’re often told that if we do what we love, we’ll never have to work a day in our life. In theory, pursuing your passion as a career should be easy and effortless- but today we’re going to talk about the reality of turning your love of DIY into a business. Today’s instructor, Monica Chavez is a mom, USMC Veteran, Doll Maker, life long DIYer, and the creative behind House of Esperanza! Following her on Instagram feels like a daily invitation into her home, but today we’re going to dig a little deeper and ask her to share the method behind her workflow and family/diy balance. By the end of this class you’ll have ideas for overcoming creative rut, a handful of Monica’s favorite home hacks and a look into the life of a creative entrepreneur. How do you plan and prioritize projects? What’s an effective workflow for you? In between big projects, plan smaller projects that will fill your productivity tank. Take budget into consideration, and also think about which projects will bring you the most joy. How do you weave motherhood into your daily strategy? Monica creates balance by utilizing part-time childcare, and also involving her son in projects. How do you tackle creative slump? Busy work! Monica finds smaller projects that will keep her hands/mind busy and that usually sparks ideas. What has been your favorite project and how did it come together? The library! It took 2 years to create. Watch the library highlight on Monica’s instagram. You are the queen of helpful home hacks! Wrap your paint brush in a wet paper towel and put it in the fridge for up to 3 days instead of having to continue to clean it. Make your own vinegar/citrus cleaner! Put the peels into jars of vinegar and let them sit for 1-2 weeks. The citrus adds to the cleaning power of the vinegar and also takes away the harsh vinegar smell. To get rid of fruit flies, pour apple cider vinegar in a jar with a little dish soap + water and you’ll kill the little suckers. Do you have any money saving tips for home improvements? Work with what you have! Try to save in one place in order to splurge in another. For parents struggling to find time for work, family and home improvement- how would you encourage them to get started and push forward? Involve your kids- it will teach them a lot. Talk to your partner about how you can make your goals happen. Create times that are just for family and others where you can focus on things as a team. Prioritize what you need and what will work for you. HOMEWORK: Just go for it! Just try! It’s ok to mess up and it’s ok to fail. FIND MONICA: INSTAGRAM BLOG SHOP We’d like to thank our friends at Ornamental Mouldings and Millwork for sponsoring this episode. If you’re looking for decorative mouldings, stair risers, beams or beyond- check them out at www.ornamental.com!  HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

QUESTIONS: How does Racheal create the clean circles, arches and curves? What did Racheal mention about the Frog Tape? What are some of the Instagram accounts Racheal said she loves to follow? How does Racheal prepare the wall? What type of paint does Racheal use? ANSWERS: Pencil, string and a thumbtack! A homemade compass. There’s a chemical activated by moisture and you can run a sponge along it to get a good seal. @Ashleymaryart, @VintageRevivals, @HouseofEsperanza, @BenjaminUyeda & @StudioDIY Just get it clean and smooth! Flat or matte for the design, eggshell for whites. HOMEWORK: Paint something! HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

Aaron is celebrating, because it seems that we have finally transitioned out of the “paint it all white” trend! Homeowners are leaning into home decor that feels one-of-a-kind, and paint is the MVP. A colorful mural is one of the cheapest ways to change the look and feel of a room, without having to completely overhaul your decor. And the best part: making a statement with paint is affordable and totally DIY-able. Today’s instructor, Racheal Jackson is a mural magician! Her popular instagram feed @banyanbridges is a stunning collection of DIY interiors, custom murals and so much COLOR! She’s going to share all of her painting knowledge with us and give us the pep talk we need to just go for it! By the end of this class you’ll know Racheal’s favorite tools for the job, some tips for taking your mural from design to finished product and her recipe for the perfect tape pull. Class is in session! How do you prepare the surface for your mural? Do you prime? Make sure that it’s clean and smooth. What types of paint work best? How do you select sheen? Flat or matte is preferable so you get the full impact of the design without reflections. For white Racheal uses eggshell. What types of brushes should you have in your arsenal? About 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 inch brushes. Nothing much larger than that. Do you use any programs to create your mural before painting it? Illustrator. What technique do you use to sketch the mural on the wall? A 4 foot level and pencils! How do you create clean circles, arches and curves? A homemade compass! String, pencil and a thumbtack. Then Racheal will slowly freehand it. Is there a specific order you should paint your mural in? Lighter colors should go first, same with super vibrant colors. Any tips for getting the best result out of painters tape/avoiding bleed? Put on the tape and go over the edge of the tape with the base wall color, so you can control the color that’s bleeding through- then you can put your color on top for a clean peel. Check out her “Clean Lines” highlight on Instagram for more tips! Aaron mentioned liking Frog Tape Racheal’s tips: Bring the paint swatches into the room you’re going to be working on with your normal lighting. A 4 ft level will be your best friend. Just start! You’ll learn so much and then you can keep up-leveling! Homework: Paint something on your wall! Just to get over your fear of damaging your pristine wall! Find Racheal! Website: banyanbridges.com Instagram: instagram.com/banyanbridges Some of Racheal’s Fave Instagram accounts! @Ashleymaryart @VintageRevivals @HouseofEsperanza @BenjaminUyeda @StudioDIY HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

In the past couple weeks we’ve seen lots of panic surrounding access to grocery store items, and although groceries continue to be readily available, it’s important to think about adjustments we can make in our daily lives that will be more reliable. At the end of the day, disposable just doesn’t last. Luckily for the earth, reliable usually translates to sustainable. Pandemic or not, these 8 changes will create more reliable routines for you, and a decreased footprint on the earth. Get a bidet Invest in a water filter Get houseplants + Plant your food Invest in reusable menstrual products Start composting Transition to body bars, lotion bars and soap tablets Transition to reusable napkins and paper towels Use coffee presses like the french press to avoid single serve coffee pots and filters  The Top 10 Plants for Removing Indoor Pollutants: Peace lily, golden pothos (Scindapsus aures), English ivy (Hedera helix), chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium), gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii), mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii'), bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii), azalea (Rhododendron simsii), red-edge dracaena (Dracaena marginata) and spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum).  Here are some of the common vegetables (and herbs) that you can re-grow from scraps: Potatoes Sweet Potatoes Onions, Garlic, Leeks and Shallots Celery Bulb Fennel Carrots, Turnips, Parsnips, Beets and Other Root Crops Lettuce, Bok Choi and Other Leafy Greens Cabbages Basil, Mint, Cilantro & Other Herbs Indoor compost bins: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Home-Kitchen-Indoor-Compost-Bins/zgbs/home-garden/3744051 HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

As the world confronts the spread of the coronavirus, more and more places are implementing stay-at-home orders. And while we’re all sorting through much bigger worries, we’re also left with the more basic question: What should we do while we have so much time at home?  We’re big believers that your top priority should be caring for yourself and your family, but if you find yourself feeling restless, this is also a good opportunity to tackle some home projects and maintenance.  Now is not the time to head to the store for nonessential items, so we’re going to focus on projects you can probably do with materials you have at home or items that can safely get delivered. Here’s our downloadable list of projects you can do while social distancing at home: HERE The promo code for Knife Aid is: HOMESCHOOL’D (one word and all caps). This is good for 20% off any of their sharpening packages. We mentioned Artkive to take your kids artwork digital. HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

QUESTIONS: When should you pull meat off the grill? What is one of the marinades Chris mentioned. How do you avoid your meat sticking to the grill? What are some pros of the Green Egg. ANSWERS: Take it off about 10 degrees before it hits temperature and let it continue to cook off the grill. Carry over cooking! A can of chilis in adobo with garlic and olive oil. Take grill up to temperature and use an oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil or grape seed. It's ceramic so it's great for all weather and it's better for temperature management. HOMEWORK: Take notes and observe what's working. HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

Barbecues. Everyone loves them, but they can go wrong. So, so wrong. Today we’re going to get some tips for avoiding rookie mistakes, and taking our grilling to the next level. Our guest instructor Chris Sussman aka The BBQ Buddha, works with all kinds of live fire environments, from charcoal and gas grills to commercial grade smokers, and everything in-between. He’s mastered the art of grilling in order to help people just like us become the star of our next backyard BBQ. Chris’s focus is to teach people how to use their 5 senses to produce great results on their grill or smoker. He wants us to move past things like time and temperature and learn to use the environment around us to produce amazing BBQ every time. By the end of this class you’ll have some handy bbq maintenance tips, a recipe for the perfect rub and marinade and all the tools needed to rock your next backyard bbq. Chris Mentioned: His favorite grills: The Big Green Egg and Traeger Grills His favorite meat sources: Local butcher shops, Costco and Snake River Farms. Marinades: TexMex for Beef- Can of chilis in adobo sauce, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, lime and puree into paste. Seafood- Garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, olive oil and lime juice + zest. No more than an hour. Rubs: Dizzy Pig, Meat Church and 41South. DIY Rubs: 50 percent salt, 50 percent pepper OR equal parts brown sugar, paprika, salt and pepper. HOMEWORK: -Get a notebook and learn, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Pay more attention to the visual clues. -Feel confident cooking to 155 and letting it rest until it comes up to temperature. FIND CHRIS: Instagram- @the_bbq_buddha Facebook- facebook.com/theBBQBuddha Website- thebbqbuddha.com HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

QUESTIONS: What are two of the ground covers mentioned? What is rewilding? What's one of the big trends for 2020? What are the steps to creating a vision for your space? ANSWERS: Delta Bluegrass No-Mow Sod and decomposed granite. Finding local, native plants that can survive with minimal maintenance. Kitchen gardening. Look at your space in terms of different rooms, sketch them out, what purpose do they serve? Go to a local nursery and put it all together. HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

There are many factors to consider when designing your landscape. From plant sourcing to overall aesthetic, like many things, it’s best to have a plan! Today’s guest instructor is going to walk us through the process of exterior design, and touch on some common questions most homeowners have. Allison Rhodes Messner is the co-founder of Yardzen, the leading online landscape design service. Yardzen is a platform that assigns a talented landscape designer to create a just-for-you design, factoring your style and your property’s unique characteristics. A mom of two young kids, Allison is passionate about living life outside and the intersection of design and technology. By the end of this class you’ll have some recommendations for choosing plants, actionable steps for creating your vision and a look into the biggest landscaping trends for 2020. Where do you recommend people source their plants? Go to your local native plant nursery. Get rid of pesticides and plant things that need minimal care from you. Why is it important to have a visual of what you want, before tacking a large landscaping project? Landscaping is alive and will look different at different times of the year, so getting expert help is great. Ask you local nursery for basic ideas, hire a designer or use an online service like Yardzen. Let’s talk about “conscious construction”. How can homeowners make more earth-friendly landscaping decisions? Demo is one of the leading waste generators. Rather than ripping stuff out, breathe new life into it. Become an expert in how materials are harvested and make more conscious decisions. What are your tips for creating a space that’s water smart? It’s different based on your region. Use local resources to guide you. What should consumers take into consideration when choosing grass/ground cover? What are some of your favorites to work with? Delta Blue Grass No Mow Sod is great! You can mow it or let it go wild. Decomposed granite is also a contemporary and functional cover. What are the biggest landscaping trends of 2020? Gardening is making a comeback! Gardens are smaller. People are putting gardens in their front yards to become a part of their community/sharing food. What are some products on your radar? Can be outdoor lighting, watering, pavers, tile etc. Lighting is a great place to invest money- Volt Lighting is great, they have really cool LED products. Outer is an outdoor furniture brand we should also be checking out. Are you seeing a shift towards outdoor living/connection to nature? How do you like to evoke these feelings with yard design? Think of your outdoor space in rooms! Dining room, playroom etc. How can you create an outdoor play space for kids that feels more organic and not so “plastic”? Use existing elements you have. Places where kids can climb and swing. If you have to cut down a large tree, make them into stairs etc. Kids love natural elements. What should homeowners take into consideration when it comes to choosing plant maturity? Start with function- ask what you want to do in your space. Think of your outdoor space in terms of rooms. Style last, and then finally material selection. Homework Sketch out what your outdoor rooms are going to look like. Go to a local native nursery and talk to an expert. Learn about local habitat plants in your area. Find Yardzen: @yardzen Yardzen.com

QUESTIONS: What was Jen's first Mother's Day gift? What's Spruc'd? What are some easy DIY starter projects? ANSWERS: A compound miter saw. It's like the Etsy of build plans! It creates passive income for makers. Light fixture, baseboards and tile work. HOMEWORK: Just start! HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

When it comes to DIY, starting a project is half the battle. The trick is to knowing how and where to begin. That’s where today’s instructor comes in! A self-taught carpenter with a fearless DIY spirit and a penchant for problem-solving, Jen Woodhouse offers in-depth tutorials that encourage readers to build their way to a more beautiful home.  She documents her adventures in designing and building furniture and tackling home renovation projects on her website, JenWoodhouse.com. Her site was named Best DIY Blog by Domino Magazine and Jen’s work has been featured on HGTV.com, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Bob Vila, This Old House, Better Homes & Gardens and many more! She was also named one of Better Homes & Gardens Stylemakers.  By the end of this class you’ll know a handful of woodworking basics, tips for building your DIY confidence and a checklist of tools to get you started. Where do you draw inspiration for your work? Usually it's a need that needs to be filled. Either stuff Jen needs or her readers. If someone wants to get started in woodworking, which basic tools should they have? Here's a link to her tools archive. What are a handful of woodworking basics you believe every homeowner should know? Learn how to install baseboards, patch drywall, install a toilet, change out light fixtures and lay tile- all these are beginner level projects. For a lot of homeowners, their first experience with wood is sanding and refinishing something they already own. What are your tips for prepping and finishing an existing piece of furniture? Get down to bare wood before you start to customize it. Figure out what type of wood it is so you know how products are going to react. Speaking to women/mothers specifically- what do you want them to know about their potential abilities? Woodworking and carpentry is a lot easier that you think! You just need to start. Once you realize you can do it, a whole new world opens up. HOMEWORK! Start with refinishing! Get a Craigslist piece of furniture and sand it down. If you want to build something, consider a side table! Use materials that are cheap if you make a mistake. Start small and go from there- just start! FIND JEN: JENWOODHOUSE.COM SPRUCED.COM INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK YOUTUBE HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

POP QUIZ QUESTIONS: What's Cara's planning framework? What are two 2020 trends Cara mentioned we could tackle on our own? What are some ways to incorporate functionality in your space? ANSWERS: Think about what you're doing in that room. How do you want the space to feel? Measure and think about functionality. Think about aesthetic. Function + style. Accent walls and blanket ladders. Storage! Figure out what the room is used for and then incorporate furniture and storage to support that. HOMEWORK REVIEW! Find a project that incorporates something you already know how to do, but also incorporates something that challenges you. Go through the planning process Cara mentioned for your space. FIND CARA: INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK BLOG MAKE SPACE PODCAST HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

We live in a DIY culture. Whether we’re pinning to our interior design boards or saving images on Instagram, we’re made to believe that this home improvement stuff can be super easy!  But is DIY really as simple as it looks? And can you create a home that you’ll love long term? We have a feeling today’s guest instructor is going to YES! Cara Newhart is a color & prints obsessed DIY expert who is helping women create a beautifully lived-in life through home design advice and DIY tutorials. With a B.B.A. in Energy Management and a background in Energy Finance, Cara took a hard right turn into home decor & DIY to make creativity her sole focus. Her goal is to help her audience dive deeper than pin-worthy rooms and beat the "boys club" culture of home Improvement. Watch out Mr. Fix It! She wants to empower women to design homes they love on their terms with some good old fashioned elbow grease. By the end of this class you’ll have project planning tips, ideas for incorporating functionality in your design and a look at some 2020 trends that Cara believes you can totally pull off. Can you lay out an example planning process for our listeners when it comes to attacking a space? Think about your life and what you're doing in that room. Think about how you want the space to feel. Measure and create a floor plan, with functionality in mind. Bring in aesthetic/style. How do you incorporate functionality into your rooms? Storage and smart solutions! What do you do in the space, and which projects can you do to support that functionality. What are some simple diy ways to add warmth to your home? Warm tones Textiles (rug, throws, pillows) What are some 2020 trends you totally believe the average DIYer can achieve? Accent walls Blanket ladders What are some of your favorite hacks for making your guests feel welcome? Think about different ways the guests can customize it to work for them. Furniture pieces that are multiple use. An Alexa, spa products, a wifi sign...anything they might need. Lighting! Make sure they have multiple options. You could even stay in there for a night to see what you're missing. What is your philosophy when choosing paint colors? Learn how the paint deck works. Cara suggests a muted hue or a shaded hue. What should we all be doing ourselves? Where are we wasting money? If it's a project that's going to take a half day, at least try it! If it requires a lot of time, then asses if it's worth your time. Can you give us 3 great starter projects when moving into a new space/just starting out? Change out shower heads, replace shelving, upgrade flooring HOMEWORK: Find a project that incorporates something you already know how to do, but also incorporates something that challenges you. Go through the planning process Cara mentioned for your space. FIND CARA: INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK BLOG MAKE SPACE PODCAST HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

POP QUIZ QUESTIONS: What's the average R value of the walls they put in? What are the two types of wood they most commonly use? What are some different tools used for timber frames. ANSWERS: R 30 Eastern white pine and douglas fir. Bigger saws, a chained mortiser and huge chisels. HOMEWORK REVIEW! Check out Calendar Timber Frames on Instagram! Build a saw horse! Find Caledon Timber Frames: Website Instagram Facebook HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

Big exposed wooden beams! Nothing gets your mind churning like walking into a home and seeing them in the walls and ceilings, and we’ve all driven by and been in awe of an antique barn and wondered how it could have survived all these years.  Well, a lot of it has to do with how the homes, barns and buildings of old were constructed. Timber Framing is the centuries old process of building using large wooden timbers and complex joinery to create the load bearing structure of a barn, home, or building. While largely replaced in favor of the more common “stick framing” you see in many newly constructed homes since the early 1900’s, Timber framing still exists thanks to many skilled artisans keeping the practice alive.  Timber Framing isn’t just practiced in Amish communities with old fashioned barn raisings like you’ve seen on TV and movies. Modern timber framing has evolved using some of the latest tool technology to enable builders to take the storied past of timber framing and create new, intricate, and beautiful structures that will themselves last for hundreds of years.  Today’s instructor is one of the few of these skilled artisans keeping the craft alive. Roland Skuce is the co-owner of Caledon Timber Frames, a Canadian Timber Framing company specializing in creating beautiful timber framed commercial and residential structures and we’re thrilled to have him on the show today.  Roland grew up working with his family's custom home building company. Through working with various trades he developed a passion for carpentry and working with his hands. He took these skills to school where he studied Residential Construction Engineering. Upon graduating he decided to pursue his love of carpentry and craftsmanship at the College of the Rockies in British Columbia. After graduating the Traditional Timber-framing Program he moved back to his hometown of Caledon where he has been designing and building timber-frames ever since. By the end of this class you’ll have an idea of what's involved in timber framing, why you might want to consider it for your next home project, and will leave you dreaming of possibilities on how you can incorporate elements of it around your home to give it amazing character!  Why does timber framing last centuries? The size of the timbers! An 8x8 is the smallest timber they would work with. The methods of joining timbers is also stronger (wooden pegs). What’s different about timber framing vs commercial framing the average person is used to? A timber structure is doing all the structural work, so you have a solid layer of solid insulation on the outside and no wood in the wall assembly. They're extremely airtight and efficient. What types of things does timber framing allow you to do that are maybe harder or not possible with stick framing? You have the freedom to change the layout of your home as many times as you want! Obviously you'd need to relocate plumbing, but you have much more flexibility. What is the process like creating a timber framed structure? Maybe do a hypothetical backyard pergola? Figure out the size you want and what it's sitting on (you need to allow for the weight of the structure). Map out where concrete is going to go, pull a permit and get a drawing made up. Dig the holes for the concrete (they go down 4 ft because of frost). Order the timber, set the timber on saw horses and cut it, make sure joinery fits and then they typically put them together on the ground. What kind of tools are involved in timber framing that are different from normal construction? The saws are just bigger! All the way up to a 16 inch blade. Timber framing tools are pretty expensive: chain mortisers and portable band saws are some of the tools Roland mentioned. Are there any ways people can incorporate timber framing accents/elements into a stick framed home? You can, but they're more non-structural and decorative. Front entries are a great way to bring timbers in. As far as inside, the roof wasn't designed to support timbers, so it's a little tricky with the weight- but doable! Some great resources: Timber Framers Guild Timber Frames HQ A Timber Framer's Workshop Homework: Check out Calendar Timber Frames on Instagram! Build a saw horse! Find Caledon Timber Frames: Website Instagram Facebook HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

How do you know if you're financially ready to buy an investment property? What are some different investment property options? What are some options for down payment assistance? ANSWERS: Make sure you can be comfortable for at least 3-6 months without a renter. Fundrise, tax liens, house-hacking and AirBnbs. There are a lot of loan options and state/national programs and grants. Do your research! HOMEWORK REVIEW! Write down your long term goals. Write down your short term money goal. Figure out what type of investing is right for you. FIND KENDRA: The Key Resource- Find Kendra's quiz, resources and coaching services here! Instagram Facebook HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

If you’ve ever had with a landlord, you probably don’t dream of being one: The thought of dealing with on-going maintenance and tenant calls can sound less than glamorous. But done right, real estate investing can be lucrative and freeing. You can add an additional income stream, and possibly leave that 9-5.  Not only that, but with current technology and management resources- you don’t necessarily need to show up often, if at all. The challenge is, not many people know where to start when it comes to investing in real estate- or what kind of property is best for them. Today’s instructor, Kendra Barnes, is a full-time Real Estate Investor and founder of The Key Resource. Her real estate investments afforded her the ability to retire from the 9-5 life at the age of 32. She created The Key Resource to inspire, empower and educate people about the power of home ownership and Real Estate investment. She currently owns and manages 4 properties (8 rental units total)- and today, she’s going to teach us how to achieve our own investment goals. By the end of this class you’ll have tools for conquering your biggest real estate fears, tips for starting your journey on a budget and first hand knowledge of what to expect when you become a landlord. Class is in session.What are the most common fears of real estate investing and how can people overcome them? Educate yourself, know your goals and figure out what type of investing is right for you. What are some tips for investing with the least amount of risk? Fundrise, invest in tax liens and Kendra's favorite is house hacking! Buy a multi-unit property and live in a unit/rent the other. AirBnb is also a great way to diversify your portfolio. How do you know if you’re financially ready? Have at least 3-6 months of your personal living expenses saved up (at minimum). Are you personally able to pay the mortgage alone for 3 months? What are some options for down payment assistance? There are so many grants and options for down payment assistance. Keep in mind, you have to use these on houses you're actually going to live in (another reason why house hacking is so great). When you’re looking at properties, what are the key characteristics to look for in a good rental? Location! What's nearby? Hospital, college, military base etc. Public transit is also something to be aware of. Go to the city planning office and see what they're planning on in the next few years. Also look at trends in the area! Once you buy the rental, what do you typically do to get it move in ready? Any budget friendly tips? Craigslist, furniture auctions (BACauctions.com) and buying unboxed appliances. How have you streamlined your process to make it easier on yourself? Using online systems for payment + communication, and setting boundaries. Kendra mentioned: Cashflow: Find it here Homework: Write down your long term goals. Write down your short term money goal. Figure out what type of investing is right for you. FIND KENDRA: The Key Resource- Find Kendra's quiz, resources and coaching services here! Instagram Facebook HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

POP QUIZ QUESTIONS: What are some ways to get kids excited about making? What are some starter restoration projects? How can the average person get into welding? ANSWERS: Providing different materials and letting them create stuff. Jimmy mentioned Legos and clay! Strip down an old door and repaint it. Change out door knobs. Clean up your house! Find a welder on Craigslist, watch some Youtube videos, ask a local body shop to coach you for a little bit and then do it! HOMEWORK REVIEW! Change a lock on a door! Change the faucet on a sink! Simple little replacements of stuff. FIND JIMMY: Instagram: @jimmydiresta Website: jimmydiresta.com YouTube: jimmydiresta Making It Podcast: makingitpodcast.com Facebook: Click HERE HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

Have you ever needed something for your home and wished you could just make it? Well, today's instructor will be the first to tell you that you absolutely can. Today’s instructor Jimmy Diresta aka The Godfather of Make is a multi-medium artist, designer, teacher, builder, TV personality, author, and video producer. You can currently find him on his YouTube channel, on NBC’s maker competition series “Making It” with Nick Offerman and Amy Poehler, and on his podcast of the same name and as a recurring guest on Ask This Old House. He’s looked up to as the O.G. maker who’s been a leading force behind the maker movement since the early 1990’s and is often a keynote speaker at many maker events and conferences. By the end of this class you'll have inspiration to get your feet wet in restoration, a list of small projects with big impact and the inspiration to create without fear of failure. Class is in session! How do you encourage people to jump in and build their skill set? Jimmy encourages tinkering! Experimentation, determination and openness! Be open to making mistakes and "wasting' material. How can parents encourage their kids to build/make? Clay and legos! Let them experiment with all different materials! 3D making and animation is really cool for kids too. How can you get your feet wet in restoration? Strip paint off of doors! That's one easy project to get started. Classes at Jimmys: Here What's been the most rewarding part of being on Making It? Watching the contestants grow. What's a medium that intimidates you? CNC milling on metal and aluminum. How can the average person get started in welding? Buy a welder and start welding! Get a welder on Craigslist and watch YouTube + ask a local welder to get started. Homework: Change a lock on a door! Change the faucet on a sink! Simple little replacements of stuff. Find Jimmy! Instagram: @jimmydiresta Website: jimmydiresta.com YouTube: jimmydiresta Making It Podcast: makingitpodcast.com Facebook: Click HERE HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

POP QUIZ QUESTIONS: What did Kelly do to create more of a hybrid project with her Ikea kitchen? What are some of the stores Kelly mentioned sourcing from? What's Kelly's tip for finding interesting color combinations? ANSWERS: She bought the bases from Ikea and had a company called Semi Handmade do the doors. Everywhere! Facebook Marketplace, The Jungalow, Kip and Co, Soukie Modern and World Market, Target and Anthropologie. Draw inspiration from art and fashion. HOMEWORK REVIEW! Before you replace or buy the next item on your list, think about how you can make a more bold or meaningful choice! FIND KELLY: Instagram: @studiodiy Blog: StudioDIY.com HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

A home filled with color can be really intimidating when your defaults are neutrals! But don't stress! Today’s guest is the queen of color, and she’s going to share her approach to decorating fearlessly in a style that will suit your home and lifestyle.  Kelly Mindell is a colorful visionary with a magical ability to turn the ordinary into the playfully clever extraordinary.  Boldly artistic and full of personality, her brand, Studio DIY, is a kaleidoscope of DIY, whimsical set design, travel, personal style, and more recently home makeovers and design that evoke clever fun with every twist and turn.  Kelly has been featured in Martha Stewart Living, Apartment Therapy, My Domaine, Parenting Magazine, NPR, The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed and TODAY.com. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband Jeff and son Arlo, and her work is truly inspiring. Today we’re going to push everything we’ve learned about an all white home aside, and explore the vibrant potential of our living spaces! By the end of this class you’ll have tips for visualizing the potential of your home, the confidence to choose colors fearlessly and hacks for modernizing your home, while respecting it’s bones. What has inspired you to play with color so fearlessly? It's how Kelly and Jeff grew up and they love it! Color positively affects your mood. What are some of your tips for homeowners to incorporate color into their homes? Start with art and accessories! Holiday decor is another great way to play with colors. Hide your colors behind doors or inside closets or drawers! Do you believe anyone can pull off your vibrant style? Yes! It's never too late to incorporate color. What is your process for mixing patterns and color? Do you typically have a plan, or just layer things on? Kelly likes to find something like a rug and use it as a starting point. Any colors can be mixed together as long as you have the right shades. Great places to look for color inspiration are art and fashion. You’re latest bathroom remodel is amazing. What are some of your favorite home decor shops to source from? Jungalow, Facebook Marketplace, Kip and Co, Soukie Modern, Anthropologie and Target are great too! As you’re working on your home, do you take resale into consideration? If so, what are some things you try to keep in mind? Make bold choices in places that are manageable to change, like the bathroom or paint colors. That being said, don't decorate your house for the next homeowners! What has been your biggest challenge in terms of home renovation? Living in the home during a renovation has been challenging, so they try to contain it as much as possible and only do one room at a time. What has been your biggest victory?  The backyard was the biggest transformation, but the master bath is probably one of her favorites! Kelly's also really proud of the closet doors she made for the nursery. See HERE On your blog you’ve talked about your belief in keeping the character on old homes. What are some ways you’ve been able to update your house while keeping it’s 1930’s charm? Everything is old and needs some updating, so Kelly tries to update the functional things but keep the character of the home. You went with Ikea cabinetry in your kitchen, how was your experience, and would you do it again? They did Ikea cabinet bases with doors from Semi Handmade. It was more cost effective. What are some simple elements home-owners can add to any room to add warmth and fun?  Textiles add easy warmth, but Kelly also recommends anything with meaning or a memento. Collect things over time to create that storied and layered feel. What are some tips for working with your husband on the house? It's important to know your roles so you're not stepping on each other's toes. Make the big decisions together. Take a breather when you need it! HOMEWORK! Before you replace or buy the next item on your list, think about how you can make a more bold or meaningful choice! FIND KELLY: Instagram: @studiodiy Blog: StudioDIY.com HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

POP QUIZ QUESTIONS: What did Chef Stuart say you should put under your cutting board? Where does Stuart get his knives sharpened, and how often should you sharpen knives? What are some kitchen essentials everyone should have? What is Stuart's strategy for entertaining What are some pantry staples Stuart recommended having on hand? ANSWERS: A damp cloth so it doesn't slip. Knifeaid.com and 1-2 times a year. A good chefs knife, cast iron pan, non stick pan, the Chop Stir and some prep bowls. Keep it simple with family style meals. Build your spice set, pasta, rice, canned tomatoes, frozen shrimp, pasta sauce...just some basic essentials. HOMEWORK REVIEW! Go through all the cabinets in your kitchen and start organizing/make space. Start building your kitchen! Get good items and build slowly. It will spark your joy for cooking. Find a recipe, go shopping and then cook it! FIND CHEF STUART: Instagram: @chefstuartokeeffe Website: TastyBites.net Book: The Quick Six Fix HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

If you’ve ever peeked into a restaurant kitchen, you’ll notice a choreographed chaos. Chefs work as a team to move as efficiently as possible- using tricks they’ve acquired from years of practice. Today we’re talking to celebrity chef, Stuart O’Keeffe, to find out if choices in our kitchen layout and a few recommended tools can create a restaurant-worthy flow in our home kitchens. Stuart O’Keeffe is an accomplished celebrity and professional chef known for his healthy yet hearty meals. He first explored his passion for food while cooking alongside his mother in his native Ireland, then honed that passion into skill at the Dublin Institute of Technology where he earned a degree in Culinary Arts.  Chef Stuart has been trained around the world, cutting his teeth in Napa Valley and Bordeaux, France—both highly competitive culinary hot spots—before moving to Los Angeles. There, he works with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and has been seen on the NBC primetime series Food Fighters and OWN’s Home Made Simple. He has also starred in The Home Channel’s Stuart’s Kitchen, shot and produced in Ireland.  A Food Network darling, Chef Stuart has served as a judge on Chopped, starred in Private Chefs of Beverly Hills, and been featured on hit shows like Valerie’s Home Cooking. He can currently be seen co-hosting his new show Let’s Eat on the network and on QVC representing Circulon Cookware.  By the end of this class you’ll have ideas for creating restaurant-level efficiency in your home, some inside knowledge of the best tools for the job and inspiration to get cooking with your family. How can people bring a restaurant level of efficiency to their home kitchen? Any tips on layout or flow? Stuart loves a kitchen where the stovetop is on the island looking out, so you can converse while you're cooking. Stand in your space and imagine yourself cooking, and think about what's in reach. The magic triangle's a great place to start. Counter space is the biggest factor! If you have the option, get as much as possible. What are some knives you recommend? How often do you sharpen? Chef loves a company called Knife Aid. You can send your knives away and have them sharpened. You should be doing it at least twice a year. Chef likes Miyabi knives. What are a handful of kitchen essentials every home owner should have? Dutch oven, cast iron pan & a non-stick pan. Chef LOVES this Chop Stir. A good set of knives Are there any new appliances on your radar?  The Instant Pot and Air Fryer are great! What are some of your tips for feeding a crowd/entertaining in a small space? Keep it simple! A charcuterie board. A one pot meal like chili or short ribs +mashed potato. Stews, paella, anything where everyone can just scoop out of a big pot! What are your favorite pans? Cast iron Circulon Cookware What are some professional chef hacks everyone should know? Salt meat before putting in the pan, and pepper after. Always have a damp cloth under the cutting board so it doesn't slip. To keep your workspace clean- use the light system. If it's dirty stop, asses/slow down/clean up and GO! Repeat that cycle. If you're cutting vegetables to roast, have your roasting pans heating in the oven while you chop and then add them to the warm pan instead of a cold one. How can we get our kids excited about being in the kitchen? Let them chop vegetables or hold the whisk! Find the safe tasks and let them help! Your first cookbook is called The Quick Six Fix, which focuses on simple recipes with great ingredients. What are some items everyone should have in their pantry/kitchen at all times? Build a spice collection. San Marzano canned tomatoes Right Rice Oils Salt/Pepper Tomato sauce Frozen shrimp Homework: Go through all the cabinets in your kitchen and start organizing/make space. Start building your kitchen! Get good items and build slowly. It will spark your joy for cooking. Find a recipe, go shopping and then cook it! Find Chef Stuart: Instagram: @chefstuartokeeffe Website: TastyBites.net Book: The Quick Six Fix HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

POP QUIZ QUESTIONS: How does Ashley avoid DIY burn out? What is Ashley's tip for determining your personal style? What are some good starter DIY projects? What are some tips for sprucing up your exterior? ANSWERS: Blocking out time. Doing a couple DIY days at a time and then taking a break. Instead of looking at things in a broad way, look at repeating themes in the photos you've saved. (Dark, light, textures, metals etc.) Painting, trim, light fixtures. Door, paint, a wreath, a new doorbell, trimming shrubs/cutting back plants. HOMEWORK REVIEW! Take away the pieces in your home you don't love. Build a room with pieces you have a connection to and love. FIND ASHLEY HERE: Podcast: Your Home Story Instagram: BiggerThanTheThreeOfUs Blog: BiggerThanTheThreeOfUs.com HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

Whether you’re moving into a new home or would like to update your current living space, making big home improvement decisions can be overwhelming. Instagram and HGTV make transforming a home look easy. But as homeowners, we know that’s not always the reality. From curb appeal to furniture and decor, it can be difficult to prioritize your home projects to create your dream home. So today, we’re talking to an instructor who’s actually in the midst of making her own house a home. Today’s instructor, Ashley Mayes is the woman behind “Bigger Than The Three Of Us”, a blog where she shares the good and the bad when it comes to renovating, design and DIY. Ashley is also the co-host of Your Home Story, where she covers everything from finding your home style to hanging gallery walls, and we’re so excited to get her down to earth perspective on making your design dreams a reality. By the end of this class you’ll have some tips for defining your home style, advice for avoiding DIY burn out and a game plan for prioritizing and budgeting for those upcoming projects.  How did you build your DIY confidence? Just try things! Start with easy projects like painting and hanging photos and build on that. How do you avoid renovation burn out? Put aside a day or two to tackle a large project, and then take a little time off. Create DIY windows. How does someone who’s just bought a home define their home decor style? Look for common colors and materials in the photos you've saved. For example: Dark, light, metals, wood. Don't think too broad, like "farmhouse style"- zero in on the elements you like. How do you keep your home cohesive when you’re picking away at projects over time? Keep repeating those elements you've identified as "your style". Old and new, dark and light are Ashley's. What are some easy and affordable updates anyone can do to their home? Painting, installing light fixtures, changing cabinet knobs and updating trim. What are some impactful and affordable projects you encourage homeowners to try on the exterior? A new doorbell button can make a big impact, a wreath and cut back bushes. Aaron recommended the Maximus lightingcameras. How do you budget for home projects?  Ashley really doesn't. She tackles projects as they have the money. Which projects do you think homeowners should prioritize when moving into a new home? Live in the home and get a feel for the pulse of the home before you make decisions. Homework: Take away the pieces in your home you don't love. Build a room with pieces you have a connection to and love. Find Ashley: Podcast: Your Home Story Instagram: BiggerThanTheThreeOfUs Blog: BiggerThanTheThreeOfUs.com HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

POP QUIZ QUESTIONS: How can you cut down on the time it takes to run your AirBnb business? What are some ways to make your listing more appealing? What is something to look for when choosing a property? What are some ways to protect yourself? ANSWERS: There are apps and platforms you can take advantage of. Anticipate your guests needs. Great photos and copy. Consider a professional photographer, you'll get your money back. Lifestyle photos that include the community, parking etc. Location, location, location! Properties near places people might visit often (hospital, college, convention centers). Cameras, Noise Aware, consider the size (smaller places can't be used for big parties) and have proper insurance. HOMEWORK REVIEW! Knowledge is power! Start to learn about the properties in your area! FIND NESTRS HERE: @Nestrs on Instagram Nestrs.com Thanks for Visiting Podcast   HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

Almost everyone has heard of Airbnb — the online rental site that enables hosts to rent out spaces ranging from single rooms to entire houses.  Airbnb has rapidly grown to include listings for over three million properties in more than 65,000 cities around the world- proving that the short term rental market is a profitable place to be. Today’s instructors, Sarah and Nick Karakaian, are a husband and wife team that specialize in real estate investing and the short-term rental industry. Through Airbnb, Sarah and Nick have brought together their love of hospitality, design, and real estate.  They are Airbnb Superhosts, own six short-term rentals, and manage and consult on several others. Their other professional services include construction project management, home staging, organizing, and design. You might also recognize them from the HGTV series Beach Flip, where they flipped a beach house over 8 episodes. By the end of this class you’ll have tips for creating a profitable Airbnb business, an understanding of what it takes and the risks involved, and some staging inspiration to create an Instagram worthy getaway. How much time do you spend in a typical week? If you're doing the turn-over and management alone it's a part time job. There are tons of apps and platforms that make it more passive. Anticipate the guest's needs and it will minimize how much time you need to spend. You're always on call. What makes a good rental? Location, location, location. Air DNA will give you a good idea of what you can make on a rental. It needs to be safe. Near high traffic locations (hospital, college, convention center). How can you protect yourself as a host? Smaller units help deter party situations. The media likes to sensationalize things, but there are thousands of check ins every day and fear shouldn't hold you back. Cameras are great. Noise Aware measures the decibels within the home. Insurance is important. Do you need special homeowners insurance? There's short-term rental insurance that specializes in Air Bnb and rentals. Don't fly under the radar. How do you create an attractive listing? Photos!!! Have beautiful lifestyle shots of all the little nooks in your house. Photos and info for your neighborhood and parking. Professional photos are great and you'll make your money back! Changing up photos seasonally is a great idea! What are some tips for improving the guest experience? Thank you cards and simple gift cards. Fresh fruit. Listen to clues about why they came to town. Local coffee etc. It's the little things like anticipating their needs: toothbrush, toothpaste, phone chargers...anything guests might forget! Netflix, Hulu and extra blankets are great too! "Creature comforts". Is there anything you HAVE to provide? Nope! It's anything you want it to be. Hacks for staging! Don't skimp on the bed or couch- make them both comfy. Consignment stores are really fun and create cool design. Have something in the rental that has drawers. People like to unpack. Storage is great! Fully stock your kitchen with tools/appliances. A binder with all the best local restaurants. How do you manage a property that's not within your town? A lot of management companies are virtual. Get someone you trust who lives in town to turn it over for you, and you can be in charge of management. How do you budget to get your first property and then build on it? There are a lot of short term rental loan options available. Knowledge is power. You never know what you're eligible for. Keep your options open. Partner with others. Consider a duplex and live on one side. How to make your Air Bnb more Instagramable! Stand out! Have a hashtag for your property! Provide a selfie stick. Get a cool custom wallpaper or mural. Make it appealing to photograph and share. Bring in local artists. Use a CNC machine to create something fun. Homework: Read up on short terms rentals in your area. Educate yourself. Listen to Sarah's podcast, Thanks For Visiting HERE! Write down 5 people who might be able to connect you with property and you can be involved. Have some Airbnb experiences. FIND NESTRS HERE: @Nestrs on Instagram Nestrs.com Thanks for Visiting Podcast HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

POP QUIZ QUESTIONS: How do you combat garbage disposal smells? What are the 4 parts of Becky’s cleaning routine? How often do you replace sponges? What is the nightly sink scrub? How do you get rid of urine smells in grout? What’s Becky’s favorite vacuum? ANSWERS: Baking soda or vinegar and/or some ice cubes. Daily, weekly, monthly and rotating. Stick them in the dishwasher every night Clover or lemon essential oils, baking soda and some dish soap. Cream of tarter and/or an enzyme. The Miele HOMEWORK REVIEW! Create her signature sink scrub. Recipe here. Make your bed every day! FIND BECKY! INSTAGRAM: @cleanmama FACEBOOK: facebook.com/cleanmama WEBSITE: cleanmama.com HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

Who thinks weekends should be for recharging and not housework? While the end result is awesome, cleaning the house isn’t exactly fun.  Today we’re talking to a guest instructor with a strategy for ditching the weekend-long cleaning marathons and the Monday thru Friday chaos. Becky Rapinchuk, also known as Clean Mama, has been sharing her time-saving cleaning routine online since 2009. Her quest is to simplify everyday life and show her readers and followers how to get the cleaning done quickly and safely, so they can enjoy the things that matter.  Her ideas and tips have been featured in Real Simple, Martha Stewart magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, and many others. Becky believes your clean home is just a daily task away- and we are here for it! By the end of this class you’ll have an understanding of The Clean Mama routine, some awesome home-keeping tips and ideas for making your home feel cozy and clean! What do you think is the biggest cause of overwhelm when it comes to maintaining a home? People like to be told what to do sometimes. It's overwhelming when you don't know where to start. Why do you suggest a cleaning routine? You waste a lot of time looking around for the biggest messes. Instead of being reactive, you'll know exactly what you need to do daily. What does your routine look like? Daily Tasks: Make beds, check floors, counters, clutter, laundry. Weekly Tasks: M- bathroom, T- dusting, W- vacuuming, Th- floor washing, F- catch-all, S-sheets and towels. Rotating Tasks: Clean appliances, floor boards, windows, comforters etc. Monthly Focus: Each month has a different focus, like paperwork or decluttering for example. How much time do you devote to these daily tasks? 15-20 mins. Let’s talk about the tools for the job. Which products do you love to use? Here is her favorite page off her website! Microfiber towels Microfiber duster A good vacuum with a HEPA filter. Becky's favorite vacuum is THIS ONE How do you avoid a stinky vacuum? Clean it out really well! Use a cotton ball and drop some essential oils on it, then drop it in the tank. What do you suggest people avoid when buying cleaning products? Bleach Most conventional cleaners because of all of the chemicals Dryer sheets (use wool dryer balls instead and vinegar as fabric softener) How do you get bad smells out of your sink? Sometimes you need a professional if there's something in your trap or a bad connection with your dishwasher, so make sure that's not the case. If you think it's food, put a couple ice cubes, dish soap and/or baking soda down the drain. What do you suggest for cleaning toilets/grout with toddler boys!? Cream of tarter paste and an old toothbrush. Put it on the grout, let it sit a couple minutes and wipe it clean. Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar will also cut the smell. THIS lime enzyme all natural cleaner. How often do you replace sponges? Throw them in the dishwasher at night at least once a week, and you can do so until they start to deteriorate. How do you clean your makeup brushes? Use a silicone mat like this one. HOMEWORK: Make a nightly sink scrub: 2 cups of baking soda, essential oils (clove and lemon is great) then add a squirt of dish soap and scrub with a sponge or a dish brush and rinse. Make your bed every day! FIND BECKY! INSTAGRAM: @cleanmama FACEBOOK: facebook.com/cleanmama WEBSITE: cleanmama.com HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

On this special Christmas Eve episode, we asked friends of the show to share something from their wishlist this year! Wishing you all a very happy holiday! Tracy- The Cinemood and The GE Profile Nugget Ice Maker Aaron- Noise Cancelling Headphones from Bose Brad of Fix This, Build That- YouTube TV Ethan of Ethan Carter Designs- Wall Control Sam of DIY Huntress- 12 in. Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser Andrew of The Hesitant Handyman- Phillips Hue Starter Kit Anika of Anika's DIY Life- Adaptive Cutting System by Kreg Sean of Cartwright Creative- Dewalt Sliding Miter Saw Chris of Cow Dog Craftworks- A hand saw from Eric at Florip Toolworks and a custom sign from Sage Sign Company. HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

POP QUIZ QUESTIONS: Where did Tiffany say people tend to get hung up in the home buying process. What is the lettering system Tiffany uses to categorize monthly expenses? What are some things to take into consideration to decide if you're even ready to buy a house? ANSWERS: A lot of people don't consider additional costs like inspections and closing costs. B- Bills, UB- Utilities and C- Cash. Do you like your job? Do you want to live in your current location? Do you like having to make the amount of money necessary? HOMEWORK REVIEW! Go to LRChomebuying.com. It's free and you'll be ahead of the game! Research and find a first-time home buying class in your community and get educated! HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com FIND TIFFANY: Twitter: @thebudgetnista Facebook: @thebudgetnista Instagram: @thebudgetnista YouTube: @thebudgetnista Website: TheBudgetnista.com  

A home is one of the biggest purchases we make, and today is all about helping you navigate this major purchase with confidence. Home much do you need to save? How much is a down payment?  Which mortgage is best? We are going to hit today’s dynamite instructor with all of your biggest questions! Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche is quickly becoming America’s favorite, personal financial educator. The Budgetnista is also an Amazon #1 bestselling author, and a sought-after speaker of financial empowerment.  Tiffany recently helped to write law, A1414 (The Budgetnista Law), making it mandatory for middle school children to learn financial literacy in her home state of New Jersey. Since 2014, The Budgetnista’s LIVE RICHER Challenge movement has helped over 700,000 women from 100+ countries, by inspiring and empowering them to achieve their financial goals.  Her financial advice has also been featured in The New York Times, the TODAY show, Good Morning America, CNN, TIME, and FORBES. She also blogs about personal finance for The Huffington Post and co-hosts an award-winning podcast, Brown Ambition. We are gonna get school’d! By the end of this class you’ll have a handle on your goals, a better understanding of the best purchasing method for you and a solid game plan to achieve a purchase. HOMEWORK: Go to LRChomebuying.com. It’s free and you’ll be ahead of the game! Research and find a first-time home buying class in your community and get educated! HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com FIND TIFFANY: Twitter: @thebudgetnista Facebook: @thebudgetnista Instagram: @thebudgetnista YouTube: @thebudgetnista Website: TheBudgetnista.com

POP QUIZ QUESTIONS: What are a couple tips David gave for baffling sound? What are the benefits/differences between wiring and going bluetooth? Do you remember any of companies he mentioned for the central control? ANSWERS: Rugs, pillows & simplistic baffles that work with your decor. Wired is better for anything fixed. Bluetooth is more travel and go, and works better in close proximity. Wired gives a better sound quality. Savant, Control 4 and Crestron. HOMEWORK REVIEW! Count light switches and dimmers, also count your windows- so when the technician comes to talk to you about your system, you're armed with answers. HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com FIND DAVID:   WEBSITE: davidjfrangioni.com   AUDIO ONE SITE: audio-one.com   INSTAGRAM: @davidfrangioni and @audioonetech

An at-home dance party or movie night with friends just makes you feel good. How good? Well, that depends on your at-home audio system! Today we’re going to learn how to get a pro-sounding home on a budget. And we don’t use the word “pro” lightly. Today’s instructor David Frangioni is a powerhouse—he’s an entrepreneur, award-winning veteran of the music industry, technologist, producer, engineer, author, and perhaps most fundamentally, a drummer. He is the Founder of Audio One and CEO of Frangioni Media and All Access IDA. He has dedicated his life to designing and building world-class studios, production facilities, and innovative music technology solutions in order to produce music and develop artists, and just recently he became the publisher of Modern Drummer Magazine. David is the recipient of dozens of gold and platinum albums with credits that include the Rolling Stones, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Sting and so many more, your head might explode. He was the chief technologist for Aerosmith for over a decade, and gained worldwide notoriety as the technologist for Ozzy Osbourne after having built two studios and multiple home automation systems for the rock legend. He. Is. LEGIT. By the end of this class you’ll have a shopping list for creating the audio experience of gods, tips for placing your surround sound and audio hacks from one of the best in the biz. HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com Find David: WEBSITE: davidjfrangioni.com AUDIO ONE SITE: audio-one.com INSTAGRAM: @davidfrangioni and @audioonetech

In this episode we sit down to review our class session with Woodworking Instructor, George Vondriska to discuss how to get started in woodworking and Tracy's obsession with her freaking mud kitchen. POP QUIZ QUESTIONS: George recommends this as a starter project for the lathe. What are some of the starter tools George mentioned? George's number one tip for keeping your workspace efficient is...? ANSWERS: Bowls! Table saw, handheld router, miter saw & orbital sander. Put stuff away! HOMEWORK REVIEW! Find something you want to make. Google “woodworking school” or something along those lines and take a class. Figure out what you need to bring into your own space to make your project or find a makers space. Launch your project and video everything! You might be the next big thing!

As any homeowner will attest, there’s always something to fix at home. Many people shy away from woodworking, but today we’re going to get empowered by the ultimate shop teacher, George Vondriska. George’s love of making and creating originally lead him to become a shop teacher. He opened his own woodworking school in 1998, the same year he became Tools and New Product Editor for American Woodworker Magazine.  George has written for a handful of other publications and co-wrote the book: CNC Essentials. Outside of his own school George has taught woodworking in Africa for the U.S. Peace Corps and has done training for Andersen Window and the Pentagon. He’s also the Managing Editor of the Woodworkers Guild of America and has produced over 120 DVDs and countless YouTube videos. He continues to run his own woodworking school in Wisconsin, and travels throughout the country to teach. So yeah, he knows what he’s talking about. By the end of this class you’ll have some tips for finding a woodworking mentor, a checklist of tools for beginners and the encouragement to put in some good old fashioned elbow grease. TIPS FOR FINDING A MENTOR: Google is your friend. Become a part of the maker movement. Find a maker space or a school. There are a lot of great online courses. Find a woodworking club or start one! HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHICH PROJECT TO START WITH? Find something that’s important to YOU! You want to be emotionally invested in the end product. HOW CAN YOU FINE TUNE YOUR MATH/PLANNING PROCESS? There are fractional calculators. SketchUp is a great program and it’s free! SOME BASIC TOOLS TO START WITH: A table saw, miter saw, orbit sander and a handheld router will allow you to do a lot! Slowly grow into your hobby by getting the tools you need for each job. HOW TO KEEP YOUR SPACE EFFICIENT: Put stuff away! Making cabinets and organization for your shop is a great way to advance your skill set. HOMEWORK: Find something you want to make. Google “woodworking school” or something along those lines and take a class. Figure out what you need to bring into your own space to make your project or find a makers space. Launch your project and video everything! You might be the next big thing! HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com GEORGE'S SITE: Vondriskawoodworks.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com

POP QUIZ QUESTIONS: What should you look for to determine if a home has good bones? What were Mina’s tips for picking paint? What should you do when budgeting your time? How do you pad the budget? ANSWERS: Foundation, roof, plumbing, framing, electric and HVAC. Get the fan deck rather than the swatches. Consider using multiple colors from the same row. Take whatever they say and double it. Assume everything is bad! Put 10-20 percent contingencies in the budget. HOMEWORK REVIEW! Attack that thing on your list you’ve been putting off. Plan it, get the supplies and just do it! HOME SCHOOL’D COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldpodcast HOME SCHOOL’D INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldpodcast/ HOME SCHOOL’D BLOG + SHOWNOTES: https://homeschooldpodcast.com MINA'S SITE: https://www.2chicksandahammer.com AARON MASSEY’S SITE: https://www.mrfixitdiy.com TRACY PENDERGAST’S SITE: https://hey-tracy.com