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Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc 2018 North American Teams

March 2018 is approaching and four teams of women in the United States are getting ready to head to France and Morocco for the 28th Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc. More casually known in North America as “Gazelles”, the rally was started in 1990 as an adventure for all-female teams. As in stage rally, each team of two – a driver and a navigator – drive off-road from checkpoint to checkpoint over 6 legs in Morocco for a total of nine days of competition. GPS is not allowed – traditional navigational tools of a compass and maps are used, although all teams are tracked by the organizers via satellite. Unlike stage rally, the teams can choose their routes between checkpoints and the winning team isn’t the team with the fastest time, but the team that accumulates the most checkpoint check-ins with the least amount of kilometers traveled. All legs are 100% off-road –  there are no public transits between legs. No special license is needed, either – just a simple driver’s license for the vehicle the team chooses to drive.

Team members from North America gathered at MAMO in New York City ‘s SOHO February 20th to chat with media. First-timers Elana Sorre and teammate Martine Capalbo of Team Atomic will be competing in the 4×4 class in a “brand new” Jeep Rubicon. When asked if she’s done any previous competitions Sorre, a tv producer from New York, said “We’ve definitely done some off-roading and we’ve experience some of that, but not in any form of a competition. [RAG] is our virgin voyage, but we are so excited to do it. There are elements that we are nervous about but nothing that we are fearful about.” She added that they will most likely stick to Martine driving and herself navigating – while they can do both, they just think it’s a better idea that each stick to their jobs for the duration of the event.

Another rookie team, Jazmin Grimaldi and Kiera Chaplin will be competing as E-Gazelles, driving a Citroën E-MEHARI in the RAG electric vehicle category, which will be Jazmin’s first time driving an electric vehicle for this long of a duration. Grimaldi, an actress and singer from California, says that she and Chaplin plan on switching between driving and navigating duties. She’s competing in RAG for the eponymous Jazmin Fund, which is helping to rebuild a community hall in Naidi Village, Fiji after the town was devastated by the 2016 cyclone.

One of the more experienced teams heading to West Africa to tackle the desert is the newly minted Over-Hyphenated team of rally driver Keanna Erickson-Chang and co-driver Claudia Barbera-Pullen. Keanna and Claudia are veterans of U.S. rallies, having completed six together in 2017. Claudia has been co-driving for around ten years, while Keanna’s first rally was Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR) 2015. They have both earned their way to the podium at New England Forest Rally – most recently at NEFR 2017, Barbera-Pullen navigated her way to 1st place 2wd Production with driver Erik Potts (in a Subaru BRZ, in case you were curious). Talking to Keanna at the team’s launch party in NYC several weeks ago, Keanna said that she had done some training for RAG out in Moab, and that they both have a full competition schedule in the month before RAG; they will both leave for Morocco directly after finishing 100 Acre Wood Rally in Missouri March 16-17. They will be driving in the 4×4 class in a new Toyota Land Cruiser.

While women over 18 years both new to motorsports as well as experienced teams are all eligible to compete in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc, it’s not purely a vanity adventure. The core mission of RAG is the non-profit Coeur de Gazelles, bringing job training for women as well as medical care and education. The rally has ISO 14001:2004 certification – with an emphasis on eco-driving and not speed, RAG maintains low CO2 emissions. No waste is left in the rally’s wake, and recycled material from the event are used to build houses. To keep tabs on the 2018 Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc, follow on Instagram or Twitter.

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Mix and Match Patio Furniture to Create Your Perfect Set

  Maybe your patio furniture needs a complete overhaul. Or, maybe it just needs a little tweaking. When you have the freedom to mix and match patio furniture, you can take what you love and leave what you don’t. Check out how you can create this outdoor oasis with mix and match patio furniture and tropical accents.

Mix and Match Patio Furniture to Create This Outdoor Oasis

The freedom to choose between different options of patio furniture not only allows you to custom create your own outdoor space and fit your style, but also to fit the amount of space you have. So no matter if you’re looking for a small setup for two on a balcony or a large dining table and chairs to accommodate the whole family and entertain friends, you can easily create a one-of-a-kind outdoor retreat. And with everything located under one convenient roof at The Home Depot, you can easily pick up decor and accessories to complete the look.

Add in Tropical Accents

Add string lights and lanterns to enhance the mood with lighting and keep the fun going long after the sun goes down.

And don’t forget tropical pillows to make your outdoor space feel like a true oasis no matter where you live.

Let your new outdoor sanctuary become an extension of your interior by adding a stylish outdoor rug.

Try adding in flowers and tropical plants, like ferns and palms, to tie the look together.

All mix and match patio furniture options are available in-store and online at The Home Depot. Free delivery is available for over 8,000 patio items that can be shipped to your home or picked up in-store. Check out other Patio Ideas on The Home Depot Blog. Follow along on our 2018 Patio Style Challenge to get more outdoor living ideas. Find more inspiration for your patio on our Outdoor Living Pinterest board. 

The post Mix and Match Patio Furniture to Create Your Perfect Set appeared first on The Home Depot Blog.

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And Now There Are Three

  TORONTO, Feb. 5, 2018 /CNW/ –  Six vehicles edged closer today to the ultimate goal of being named 2018 Canadian Car of the Year and 2018 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

Mazda will be hopeful for an accolade – three of the auto maker’s new vehicles made the final cut.

This year, voting was expanded to include all new vehicles available to Canadian buyers, not just those vehicles new to the market. For the first time, nearly 100 of AJAC’s voting journalists were able to directly score vehicles against their competition, whether they were all-new for 2018 or returning popular models. Almost 3,000 ballots were cast on 182 vehicles. If we drove them, then we had an opinion on them – and we passed that opinion on through an anonymous system of standardized voting to determine which vehicles are the best of them all.

The three cars and three utility vehicles were chosen in a separate, second round of voting by AJAC’s journalists from the 14 vehicles that were named the best in their segments earlier this year at the Montreal Auto Show. The voting process was a simple one: AJAC members were asked which, of the segment-winning vehicles they’d driven and experienced, most deserve to be named the best car and utility vehicle for 2018.

The three cars in the final running are the Honda Accord (Best Large Car in Canada), Mazda 3 (Best Small Car in Canada), and Volvo S90/V90 (Best Large Premium Car in Canada).

The three utility vehicles in the final running are the Chrysler Pacifica (Best Minivan in Canada), Mazda CX-5 (Best Small Utility Vehicle in Canada), and Mazda CX-9 (Best Large Utility Vehicle in Canada).

All six will be on stage February 15 at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto for the announcement of the ultimate winners. Until the envelope is opened then on stage, the results are a closely guarded secret, known only to the auditing firm of KPMG. The announcement and presentations will take place in the John Bassett Theatre at 8 am.

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Six Easy Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas

Staci Salazar, the blogger behind Our Family Lifestyle, wanted to add farmhouse style to her build grade home. With a little bit of planning, she was able to make a big impact.

Read on for six simple farmhouse kitchen ideas from Staci that will give your kitchen a fresh, new look.

Six Easy Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas

Before the Update

When my husband and I began to talk about building a home, we knew exactly what we wanted. We also knew that getting the look and style of “our ideal home” would require several DIY projects beyond the builder’s design, but were up for the challenge.

Through the design process we made choices that would get us as close as possible to our dream home. The kitchen, being the center-both figuratively and literally-of our home, is where we focused most of our attention. White shaker cabinets, grey countertops and a subway tile backsplash helped us achieve that bright, clean look we wanted. But it was still lacking.

The builder grade kitchen was beautiful, but to us, it needed something more. We wanted to add elements that would show our personality and style. We wanted to change our builder grade kitchen into a farmhouse-style kitchen. Through our partnership with The Home Depot, we were able to make that happen.

After much deliberation and planning, we came up with six easy farmhouse kitchen ideas for our builder grade kitchen that anyone can do.

Cabinet Knobs and Drawer Pulls

Logically, I think knobs and pulls simply make sense. Basically, they make both the cabinets and drawers easier to open. But, wow! Once we went through the space and began attaching the Liberty Flat Black Solid Round Cabinet Knobs and Tumbled Dark Gunmetal Davidson Cup Pulls, we were looking at a whole new kitchen. Even the kids agreed. It was the easiest way to begin the transformation.

Shiplap

Shiplap is one of the hottest trends right now and one that I love! Our oldest daughter actually suggested the idea in and we decided to do it. Using Radiata Pine Nickel Gap Shiplap made installation easy. Each piece of shiplap is already cut to leave a natural gap. No need to find nickels or rip pieces of plywood. A coat of white paint on the wood planks after install and the entire space felt so much brighter.

Faux Beams

During our build time, I kept looking at these large open entries between the kitchen and living area. I could not get my mind away from the idea of putting beams there. So, when the time came, it’s exactly what we did. We decided on faux beams because they would be easier to hang in addition to being less expensive.

Using only Pine Common Boards, we set out to create our faux beams. We distressed the wood using tools in our garage, made the 3-sided beams, then brushed on Minwax Early American Wood Finish. We hung them across two open areas using cleats on the ceiling and they look amazing!

Beadboard

We went back and forth on the idea of painting our island. I stared at it for a while and we came up with a solution that would help create some depth and style instead of painting. We took off the builder end panels and applied White True Bead Wainscot Paneling instead. Then, we trimmed it out using moulding and cut 1 x 3 boards to make that ever-popular farmhouse X. More white paint and we were onto our next project.

Wood Panel

Our builder’s deluxe kitchen package came with a great vent-a-hood cabinet, but, again, it needed more. We had talked previously about doing something to it but weren’t sure what. Taking note of the width of the area we wanted to restyle, we went to The Home Depot for inspiration. We decided to use ¼ in. underlayment since it was light and thin. Covering it with the same stain we used on the faux beams helped tie it all together beautifully. We made sure it fit snug and secure, applied the pieces with Liquid Nails in addition to 1 in. nails, then added a wreath for extra flair.

Paint

Perhaps the easiest way to change the look of any space is to simply paint. Don’t like it? Paint over it with another color. Well, I decided to go bold with our pantry door. We looked at several doors for months but couldn’t decide on one we both liked. Instead, I found a color that matched my small appliances and painted the door! The kids were unsure at first, but they get it now. It adds just the right pop of color and really helps liven up the kitchen.

Final Reveal

Utilizing the supplies and tools easily found at The Home Depot, we were able to turn our kitchen into one I have dreamed about for months. We’ve been able to sit and admire our work for a few days now and grow to love it more each day. These farmhouse kitchen ideas has let our kitchen truly become the heart of our home.

Now that I’ve seen what we’re capable of doing with a few tools from The Home Depot, I’ve got a whole new list of projects planned for the house!

Check out other Kitchen Ideas on The Home Depot Blog. Find more farmhouse kitchen ideas at The Home Depot.

The post Six Easy Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas appeared first on The Home Depot Blog.

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Kitchen Hardware Refresh

Kitchen Hardware Refresh

Updating your cabinet hardware can give your kitchen a complete refresh.

Oftentimes, cabinet knobs and pulls are the last thing you think about when styling your home decor.  Replacing your kitchen hardware is an easy way to freshen up the look of your kitchen and can be completed easily and inexpensively.

We asked three talented lifestyle bloggers to show how replacing old cabinet hardware can spruce up a kitchen. Here’s a quick round up of their projects, along with links to their blog posts and the products they used.

Classic Brass Cabinet Hardware

Chloe Mackintosh, of Boxwood Avenue, aimed for her kitchen hardware to be something brass, antique, and classic.  Chloe selected these pulls and knobs from the Martha Stewart Living Rustic collection, because she loved the antique finish and classic design. Check out her full blog post here and get tips on how to install your own kitchen hardware.

Classic Black Square Pulls

Avid DIYer, Corey Decker recently gave her kitchen a full remodel. The last thing missing was adding the finishing touches to her cabinets. Her vision for a bright and airy kitchen called for a pop of black accents, and that’s exactly what she found by choosing these Liberty Classic Square Pulls. Take a look at her full project and how she went about installing her new hardware on her blog Sawdust 2 Stitches.

Farmhouse Style Knobs and Pulls

Destiny Alfonso of Just Destiny Mag, wanted her kitchen cabinet hardware refresh to have a slight rustic feel, but still feel somewhat traditional and bright. She ended up choosing two different finishes from the Martha Stewart Living line to achieve a contrast look, bronze with copper highlights and polished nickel pulls. Head over to her full blog post to get her inspiration and step-by-step guide to achieve this look.

Complete your kitchen hardware refresh with the help of The Home Depot. For more inspiration and ideas, read more Kitchen Ideas and Inspiration posts on The Home Depot Blog.

The post Kitchen Hardware Refresh appeared first on The Home Depot Blog.

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Guide to a Complete Garage Makeover

The garage is often the most cluttered part of any house. Jane Ko of Taste of Koko was tired of having miscellaneous items pile up in her garage. After taking the time to clean and create an organized storage system, Jane brought her garage makeover dreams to life.

Check out these five simple steps that will help you transform your garage into the space that’s perfect for you.

Guide to a Complete Garage Makeover

Ever since I moved into my home in 2013, the garage immediately became the spot where miscellaneous items would go but never came back out. The garage became an eyesore every time I pulled in to park my car. Talk about embarrassing when my neighbors would walk by and peek in.

When the new year started, my goal to tackle the garage and have my first home project to be a garage makeover came to life. Purge, clean, and organize. I’m so excited to partner with The Home Depot on this garage makeover transformation!

Materials

BEHR Premium Plus Ultra Paint – Buzz In

BEHR White Flat Ceiling Interior Paint

Rubbermaid FastTrack Garage Hang Rail

Rubbermaid FastTrack Garage 1-Bike Vertical Bike Hook

Husky stack tote

Rubbermaid Laminate Storage Shelves in Black with Upright and Extension Kit

Rubbermaid FastTrack Garage Rail Accessory Starter Kit (7-Piece)

Prepac White Space-Saving Shoe Storage Cabinet

HDX storage tote in peacock

HDX storage tote in grey

Husky Shelf Steel Unit

HDX storage tote in candy apple

Sterilite Latching storage box

Before the Makeover

Here’s what my garage looked like beforehand. Piles and piles of products, boxes of product, old appliances, old furniture. It was a miracle that I could find anything.

Step 1: Purge & Clean

First, I went through everything and started throwing away broken or unusable items, and straight up trash. I took anything in good shape to the local donation center.

Step 2: Plan & Sketch

Making a blueprint of the garage was super helpful. I was able to visualize the space and make sure new shelving would fit. By measuring your walls and ceilings, you can then estimate how much paint you’ll need to buy too!

Step 3: Paint

The home builders didn’t bother painting the garage when I bought the home. I’ve always hated those white stripes. I knew I wanted to paint the garage with a pop of color, so I went to The Home Depot to pick up paint samples. Yellow stuck out to me—when was the last time you saw a yellow garage? I picked BEHR Paint in Buzz In for the walls and BEHR ceiling paint in white.

Make sure to use a primer. Otherwise, you’ll have to do several coats of paint.

Step 4: Installation

The Rubbermaid FastTrack system was my top choice because of the easy installation and customization.

I installed the Rubbermaid FastTrack Garage 84 in. Hang Rail. Then, I mounted the bikes on the wall with the Rubbermaid FastTrack Garage 1-Bike Vertical Bike Hook.

After cleaning up the space, I installed two Rubbermaid FastTrack Garage 84 in. Hang Rails. Then, I added the Rubbermaid 4-Shelf 48 in. x 16 in. Laminate Storage Shelves and Rubbermaid FastTrack Garage Rail Accessory Starter Kit to hang up items like the tennis rackets and pool floaty! Miscellaneous items are stored in the Husky stack totes.

Step 5: Organize

The shoe situation was a mess. I love the Prepac White Space-Saving Shoe Storage Cabinet that holds 35 pairs of shoes!

Then, I sorted everything into different storage bins and then labeled them.

Final Reveal

And that’s how I transformed my garage from this…

Finally, to this! I’m so happy with the garage makeover—all the mess and clutter: gone. Now, every time I come home and open up the garage it’s like a giant burst of happiness from the yellow!

Complete the garage makeover of your dreams with the help of The Home Depot. Find more Storage and Organization ideas at The Home Depot Blog.

The post Guide to a Complete Garage Makeover appeared first on The Home Depot Blog.

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How To Install a Simple Butcher Block Counter

Janel Hutton of Nellie Bellie took her sad kitchen and turned it into a bright and beautiful room by adding butcher block countertops! This simple DIY project changed the entire look of the room.

Read on to see Janel’s step-by-step instructions on how to install butcher block countertops!

How To Easily Install Butcher Block Countertops

Materials

Birch Butcher Block Countertops

Measuring tape

Straight edge

Circular saw with 7¼ in. with 60 teeth blade

Masking tape

Jigsaw

Cordless drill

Sander

Wood screws (#6 11/2)

Pre-stain conditioner

Wood stain

Butcher block conditioner

Before the Update

Butcher block countertops are an inexpensive and relatively simple DIY solution for those of you that are tackling kitchen updates, like we are.

Choosing Butcher Block

We chose to install butcher block countertops because we love how they look, we love that they are simple for a DIY’er to install, and that their price tag is very reasonable. They helped us take our kitchen from a sad room to a bright and beautiful room that we look forward to walking into each day.

Installing a butcher block countertop isn’t difficult, but does require a circular saw and jigsaw. The simplest method, which we did, lines up the countertop in an L shape rather than using an angled corner (much more difficult!).

If you, like us, are fairly basic in your DIY knowledge, stick with the simple L shaped corner and try not to get too fancy.

And give yourself plenty of time.

Tip: Choose the simplest, most straight-forward counter to start with. You’ll feel more confident as you move forward as well as have a better handle on any quirks. (code: don’t start on any sink cut-outs first)

Step 1: Measure for the needed material

And then measure again. Be sure! Order your countertops several weeks prior to needing them to allow for delivery.

Note: There are several kinds of butcher block countertop materials available. We used birch with a walnut stain. Do your research prior to ordering to determine which material you would prefer.

Step 2: Remove existing countertops

We chose to remove part of the room, do the butcher block, and then move on. This meant we could keep the sink in operation for as long as possible. A good solution for a kitchen remodel that still needs to function.

Step 3: Remove any leftover adhesive

To make sure your butcher block countertop is level you will need to remove any remaining adhesive. Perhaps it will come off easily. Or, like in our case, you will need a bit of extra help to get it off. We used our angle grinder with a conversion kit (to use it as a sander) and coarse grit paper. This went really fast and we had to be careful!

At this time, it is also wise to drill your pilot holes for securing the counter with wood screws if you are choosing that method. Remember to drill your holes a bit smaller than the screws to give the screw wood to grab on to.

Step 4: Measure your first counter

And then again. Measure far more times than you think you need to. If you can, check your measurements against the previous countertops that you removed. Alternately, use plywood or cardboard to create a dry run of your countertop cut. Be sure, when measuring, that you include any overhang that you may want on the end of your counter.

Tip: If possible, have 2 people independently measure every cut and make sure each arrive at the same measurement before moving forward.

Step 5: Make your first cut and drylay

Use a circular saw with a 7¼ in. 60 teeth blade to make your first cut. Be sure to use a straight edge to help guide the blade. Keep the cut slow and steady. Lay your countertop out and double check for accuracy.

Repeat this step as needed to finish each section of countertop.

Tip: Apply masking tape along the entire line where the cut will be to keep the wood from splintering.

Step 6: Secure Countertops

When you have completed cutting all of your sections (instructions above addresses any sink cuts) push pieces tightly together as best you can and secure into place. We chose to use wood screws (#6 11/2 in.) that are screwed into the butcherblock from underneath the countertop using the holes we previously started.

Step 7: Cut the Sink

Use the above steps to cut the butcher block section to fit into the sink countertop area. Set it atop the counter, align, and secure into place as instructed.

If your sink came with a template, utilize that to mark where your cut should be. If your sink did not come with a template it would be wise to use a piece of cardboard or large paper to create your own.

After your cut has been drawn out, properly marked, and double-checked…drill a pilot hole with a large drill bit to get the jigsaw started with.

Carefully use the jigsaw to make your sink cut.

Drop in your sink to test, adjust the cut if needed. Finish according to your sink directions.

Tip: This cut will take a bit of time…be patient!

Step 8: Finish the Counter

Apply pre-stain conditioner if you are staining. After about 20 minutes, apply your stain according to directions. Once you’ve allowed for proper drying time, apply butcher block conditioner according to directions.

To care for your counter, be sure to wipe liquid off countertops quickly after spilled, keep dry, as best as possible, use trivets or pot holders, and apply additional conditioner, as needed, to keep the countertops looking beautiful.

Final Reveal

We are so incredibly pleased with how beautiful these countertops are in our kitchen. The best part is that we were able to install butcher block countertops in a weekend (complete with sink and faucet) and they look amazing!

Get other kitchen ideas and inspiration on The Home Depot Blog. Install butcher block countertops to get your own updated look. Follow our Kitchen Ideas and Inspiration board on Pinterest.

The post How To Install a Simple Butcher Block Counter appeared first on The Home Depot Blog.

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Create a Custom Statement Wall

We all know statement walls can transform any room. Mandi Gubler, of Vintage Revivals, shares her tips for mixing wallpaper, wood and paint to create a one-of-a-kind design. Keep reading to learn more about this unique custom statement wall!

Create a Custom Statement Wall

I’m a huge fan of statement walls, they’re kind of my love language (if I love you, you get a statement wall…Oprah style.) When you’re embracing the statement wall, paint is usually the go-to medium, it’s easy to use, you can always cover it up if your results fall short of your glorious vision, and it’s inexpensive.

But guys, I’m about to change your mind a little, because wallpaper is here and its here to stay.

Find Your Inspiration

The inspiration behind my daughter’s room is Disney’s It’s a Small World (specifically the one at Disneyland cause I just can’t quit that white and gold exterior.) For four years I’ve been itching to do this room and I’m so happy to finally see the vision come to life!

For this statement wall, I used some paint, wood, and wallpaper to create the design. Mixing wallpaper with other materials and patterns is easy, you just need the right kind. I painted the buildings white and then filled some in with this gold speckled removable wallpaper.

I’m loving how reflective this wallpaper is!

HomeDepot.com has a huge wallpaper selection. It was really hard for me to narrow it down because I wanted to use all of them!

Ultimately I went with the Splatter pattern from Bobby Berk because it reminded me of the texture that is on the exterior from Disney’s It’s a Small World. I am so happy with how it turned out!

Here’s what you need to know about wallpaper on HomeDepot.com. First and most importantly the patterns that they have available are killer. They’re extremely on trend and have designers like Bobby Berk, Genevive Gorder, and a little lady by the name of Joanna Gaines. You may have heard of her.

Temporary wallpaper is the best of both worlds. You get the bold and statement-making patterns that can only come from wallpaper, and it’s extremely easy to remove, damage free, from your walls. It’s also great for novice wallpaper DIYers because it’s re-positionable.

Mixing Wallpaper Patterns

Mixing materials is just one way to use wallpaper, you can also mix different wallpaper patterns!

Here are my tips:

Unless you have a way to physically separate the wallpapers from each other, use natural space divisions as your guide. For example, use one type of paper on the walls in a bedroom and a second pattern in a closet. Or use one in your entryway and another in your living room, as long as the walls aren’t connected, you’re good!

Find papers that have a similar vibe. The peonies, splatter and thermoscad wallpaper patterns are all white and gold and will work together perfectly.

Wallpaper can be a little intimidating if you’ve never used it before. If you’re interested in dipping your toes in the water, try using it in smaller space like a half bath.

Don’t be afraid to go bold. One of the reasons that wallpaper is so magical is because it makes a massive statement. This is why using removable paper is so great because you’re not married to it forever! I love something bold like this Shatter geometric print. Or colorful like this mustard yellow geo print!

To get more info on Vintage Revivals room makeover and all of the furniture details (yes, they’re all from Home Depot!) check out Vintage Revivals here! Find more bedroom inspiration on The Home Depot Blog.

The post Create a Custom Statement Wall appeared first on The Home Depot Blog.

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AJAC announces category winners for 2018 Canadian Car of the Year and 2018 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year

Seven vehicle manufacturers moved closer today to winning the ultimate accolades of 2018 Canadian Car of the Year and 2018 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. Their wins in 14 different categories were announced during media day of the Montreal International Auto Show / Salon de l’Auto.

The big winners were Mazda and Jaguar Land Rover, with three wins each. Honda/Acura, Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles won two categories each.

Category winners were chosen by nearly 100 voting members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, who assessed the vehicles throughout the year by driving them and testing them in a variety of conditions. They were scored anonymously on many different factors, including performance, features, technology, design, fuel consumption and value for money, and the highest scorers in each category were declared the winners.

“Our voting policy was changed this year to make it more relevant for today’s car buyers,” said AJAC President Mark Richardson. “Our journalists are all experts in their automotive fields, and I’m very proud of their ability to help people decide on the best new vehicles to buy in 2018.”

All 14 category winners are now eligible to be considered for either Canadian Car of the Year or Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, which will be determined by a separate round of voting. The winners will be announced next month, on media day of the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto on Feb. 15.

Category winners announced today are:

BEST CITY CAR IN CANADA FOR 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf

BEST SMALL CAR IN CANADA FOR 2018 Mazda3

BEST LARGE CAR IN CANADA FOR 2018 Honda Accord

BEST SMALL PREMIUM CAR IN CANADA FOR 2018

Jaguar XE

  BEST LARGE PREMIUM CAR IN CANADA FOR 2018

Volvo S90 / V90

BEST SPORTS – PERFORMANCE CAR IN CANADA FOR 2018

Volkswagen Golf R

BEST PREMIUM SPORTS – PERFORMANCE CAR IN CANADA FOR 2018

Jaguar F-TYPE

BEST CONVERTIBLE IN CANADA FOR 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL

BEST SMALL UTILITY VEHICLE IN CANADA FOR 2018

Mazda CX-5

BEST LARGE UTILITY VEHICLE IN CANADA FOR 2018

Mazda CX-9

BEST SMALL PREMIUM UTILITY VEHICLE IN CANADA FOR 2018

Range Rover Velar

BEST LARGE PREMIUM UTILITY VEHICLE IN CANADA FOR 2018

Acura MDX

BEST MINIVAN IN CANADA FOR 2018 Chrysler Pacifica

BEST PICK-UP TRUCK IN CANADA FOR 2018 Ram 1500

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The Ultimate DIY Teepee for Kids

Ashley Thurman, of Cherished Bliss, wanted to complete her son’s room by adding a fun element, and this DIY teepee was the perfect addition.

Follow Ashley’s step-by-step tutorial to build your own!

The Ultimate DIY Teepee for Kids

This year is about finishing our house! We bought this house late fall of 2016 and it was just about as builder grade as you can get. Over the last year we’ve slowly been trying to bring our style into each space of our home. Today I’m here to show you a fun element we’ve added to my youngest boy’s new bedroom – A DIY Teepee.

I went back and forth trying to decide if I wanted to do a no-sew version of this tee pee, or if I wanted to actually sew it. I haven’t sewed in years so it was pretty difficult to sway me, but we are in fact going to be sewing today! If you’ve never sewn before, don’t worry this project isn’t all about precision. The only thing you need to know how to do is follow a straight line!

Let’s get started!

Materials

6 ft. x 9 ft. Drop Cloth

Scissors

Straight Edge (I used a 1 x 2 I had on hand)

Tape Measure

Sewing Machine and necessary accessories

Thread

(3) ¾ in. x 10 ft. PVC Pipe cut to 5 ft. sections

Hack Saw

Iron

I suggest waiting until you have sewn together your teepee before cutting the pipe just in case you should have any slight discrepancies in the length of the pockets for your PVC pipe. This tee pee was designed to be slightly smaller than a typical tee pee so it can be enjoyed in smaller bedrooms. You can always adjust the size if needed.

Use a ½-in. seam allowance unless otherwise stated.

Before you Start

Prewash the drop cloth to give it a softer feel. I washed mine on the longest, hottest setting with an extra rinse cycle using 1 cup of bleach. Then tumble dry on the highest heat setting.

Step 1: Cut Fabric

Let’s begin by cutting the fabric. You will need six “triangle panels,” five of the panels will be identical, and the last one will be used as the entrance to the teepee. You can cut one triangle panel out of the drop cloth with the bottom edge lined up on the hemmed side, and then use it as a pattern for the other four. See the diagram below on how to cut all panels.

Step 2: Sew the “Door” Panel

Assemble the door panel following the diagram above. The two flaps will overlap.

Press the interior raw edge of the two panels (the straight edge) so you have a finished edge on the opening. Then lay the two flaps side by side and overlapping following the diagram below, and stitch a straight line across the top. Make sure the top of the two flaps now equals the bottom of the top section.

Place the bottom portion (the two you just sewed together) and the top portion with right sides together and stitch across the top following the diagram below.

Once done it should look like this.

This should leave you with a panel the same size as the other five, but with an open seam in the middle (the entrance to the teepee).

Step 3: Assemble Panels

Begin sewing the panels, right sides together, by lining up the edges and sewing a straight line to join them (be sure to backstitch the ends for added strength). I highly suggest starting at the bottom and sewing towards the top. We will eventually be trimming the top, so it’s more important the bottom lines up. Continue until you have all five of the full-sized panels assembled.

Once that is done, attach the door panel on both sides. Make sure you are still sewing right sides together. This should give you a cone shaped tube. Now can turn everything right side out.

Step 4: Create Pockets for PVC Pipe

Next, we are going to create the pockets for the PVC Pipe by sewing a tube. Your tee pee needs to be turned right side out for this step. Once that is done, take each seam and press it with the wrongs sides together with the seam on the edge. Measure out 1 in. and stitch a straight line all the way up the tent. Again, make sure you start at the bottom and work your way up. This is essentially creating a pocket for the pole to go in, with your raw edges inside the pocket.

Once you get towards the top of the tent you will notice that the “pockets” we are making will start to cross each other, that’s ok! You haven’t messed up, I promise! Just keep going until you do this for all six seams.

Step 5: Trim Excess Fabric

Once you are done sewing the pockets you will be left with extra fabric at the top of your tee pee. To figure out how much to remove, I inserted my PVC pipe into the pockets as far as possible while making sure they were all even at the top. Then I cut the excess off.

Step 6: Cut and Insert PVC Pipes

Measure the length of the tube where the PVC Pipe will be inserted and cut your pipe to that length. Once all pieces are cut, insert each pipe into the pockets, making sure all pipes are cut to the same length even if the fabric varies slightly.

Mine ended up being around 48 in.

Step 7: Spread the poles out and allow the top ends to fan out

After all your pipes have been inserted, it’s time to set it up. Just start spreading out the poles until your teepee is fully stretched out.

Optional: If you would like to be able to tie the door flaps back, cut a simple slit in the drop cloth and use leather string to tie the fabric open.

I also decided to stencil a few letters numbers on our teepee for a slightly aged/industrial look. This is totally optional, and obviously can be customized to whatever you like.

And that is how to build this fun little DIY teepee! All that’s left is to let your little ones enjoy it!

Shop materials to make your own DIY teepee for your little ones at The Home Depot. Get more inspiration for your child’s room and find nursery ideas on The Home Depot Blog. Follow our Nursery Ideas board on Pinterest, too.

The post The Ultimate DIY Teepee for Kids appeared first on The Home Depot Blog.

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Creating a Cozy Kid’s Reading Nook

This cozy bedroom kid’sreading nook was created by Charlotte Smith of At Charlotte’s House.

Using supplies from The Home Depot, Charlotte built the perfect place for her kids to play games or read. Check out Charlotte’s full tutorial on creating the best reading nook for kids ever!

Creating a Cozy Reading Nook for Kids

The one thing that my kids like more than anything is a little nook in which they can curl up and play games or read. In the past this meant draping blankets over chairs and tables, but now they have their own permanent kid’s reading nook that’s handmade using supplies from The Home Depot!

Materials

(5) pine 1 x 3 boards, 8 ft.

(2) underlayment, 48 in. x 48 in.

(1) ¾ in. plywood, 4 ft. x 8 ft.

1 ¼ #8 Trim Head Screws (2 100-nail boxes)

Kreg pocket screw system

Jigsaw

Drill

Sander 43-in. piece of scrap wood (for compass)

Cut List

1 x 3 pine

(4) 42-in.

(4) 41 ¼-in.

(6) 12-in.

(3) 12 ½-in.

¾-in. plywood

(4) 4 in. arcs at 42-in. diameter

48 x 48 Birch Underlayment

(18) 4-inch strips

Our kid’s reading nook is 42 in. high, 42 in. deep and 48 in. wide. I used basic pine 1 x 3 boards, 1 sheet of ¾-in. plywood and 2 sheets of 48 x 48 underlayment.

Step 1: Cut the plywood “ribs”

In order to draw a perfect quarter circle, I made a quick compass using a scrap piece of 1 x 2. I drilled a small hole for a nail at one end and two larger holes for a pencil 38 in. down the board and 42 in. down the board. I lightly nailed the board in place, and then drew my arc with the pencil.

Using a jigsaw, I slowly cut out four arcs from my sheet of wood.

Step 2: Create right angle supports for each arc

Use pocket holes to screw one 41 ¼-in. board into the 42-in. board at a 90 degree angle. Use pocket holes to screw each end of this corner angle into the quarter circle plywood arc. Make sure that pocket holes are on the underside and backside of the corner angle.

Step 3: Cut underlayment into strips

Use a table saw or circular saw with a straight edge guide to cut the underlayment into 18 4-in. strips.

Lightly sand the edges of all your wood.

Step 4: Cut support braces

Cut 12-in. and 12 ½-in. support braces from 1 x 3s. Drill pocket holes into either end of each support piece.

Step 5: Assemble the nook

This nook is big enough that it needs to be assembled on site. I started by connecting two of the arcs with the 12-in. 1 x 3s.  Repeat with the remaining two arcs.

With everything lined up, I connected the two arc pieces with the three 12 ½-in. boards. I had to stagger these middle pieces slightly in order to screw into the pine boards and not the plywood arcs.

Step 6: Add the underlayment roof

Starting at the top corner, I lined up the first strip of underlayment with the edge. I used a 3/8-in. bit to predrill two holes along each plywood rib. I finished by screwing the board in place with the 1 ¼-in. trim head screws (these typically come with the necessary star bit). Repeat, working your way down the arc until the entire nook is covered with underlayment strips.

Step 7: Lights

I added two LED puck lights to the inside of the nook as well as a fun color-changing rope light. Because both are LED, I don’t worry about the lights heating up and, needless to say, the kids love the effect of the changing rainbow lights! I used copper tubing clips to hold the rope light in place.

Final Reveal

I chose underlayment because it had such a lovely wood grain and I wanted to leave it unfinished, but there’s no reason that the surface of this nook couldn’t be painted or stained as desired. The fox print hanging above it has the perfect colors to coordinate with both the wooden nook and the rest of the décor!

My kids all love to curl up in this nook and it’s been the first place they head each afternoon after school. They can easily sit inside the nook leaning up against the wall with feet outstretched. I layered shaggy rugs so the inside is soft and comfortable for them.

The addition of those neutral patterned curtains also adds to the cozy inviting feeling of the space. Lots of texture and pattern to help the sleek wooden form stand out!

Filled with throw pillows (also here, here and here), cozy blankets and their favorite books in a graphic new book bin, this little hideaway is perfect for the whole gang. I added a pair of poufs for some extra perches so everyone can get comfortable.

Create a DIY reading nook for kids with materials at The Home Depot. Find other ideas and inspiration for your children’s room and play spaces on The Home Depot Blog. Follow our Nursery Ideas board on Pinterest.

The post Creating a Cozy Kid’s Reading Nook appeared first on The Home Depot Blog.

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How to Design a Modern Farmhouse Gallery Wall and Living Room

This living room refresh has a modern, but French farmhouse vibe that’s cozy and inviting.

Sandra Downie of The Rustic Life used a mixture of modern and vintage pieces to make the space come together. Read on to see how Sandra balanced the look with her modern farmhouse gallery wall.

How to Design a Modern Farmhouse Gallery Wall & Living Room

Hi loves, as I’ve shared with you a few times already this year over on my Instagram page, simplifying my decor is a priority for me in 2018. I stepped back late last year and decided what goals I wanted to achieve in regards to how I lived. From my health and wellness to how I decorated my home.

The wall behind my sofa in the living room has always felt incomplete to me. I had a very pretty shelf up there that I really loved, but it didn’t feel like a cohesive space. Once I redecorated my sunroom in a modern farmhouse style, I fell in love with the modern vibe that black added to the room. That’s when, deep down, I knew simplifying and modernizing my home a bit more was something I wanted to take baby steps towards. I turned to The Home Depot and set out to start making steps towards those goals.

If you are choosing to design a modern farmhouse gallery wall, there are some things you will want to incorporate to pull this look together the way I did.

Incorporate Black Frames

Adding the color black to any home instantly adds a modern feel to a space. I chose to add black in the form of framed art. What I love most about these framed pieces of wall art: although they are modern, the print themselves say farmhouse. The Farmer’s Market printed wall art is simple and elegant. The photo of the Grange Blanche barn wall art takes you back to the farm and visions of a more relaxed farmhouse life.

Because there was so much black on the farmhouse gallery wall, I also wanted to add more black into the dining room. I brought in this black gate wall art door. Not only does it incorporate black, I love the french country look of the door as well. It fits beautifully with some of the French inspired decor I already have. It was the perfect compliment to the empty wall next to the TV.

Use Various Textures

I accomplished this with the metal arrows wall sculptures. I love that they are lightweight but they add visual appeal, texture and warm tones to the space without being over powering.

Integrate Visuals That Feel Old/Vintage

Something you would perhaps pull out of a barn or an old farmhouse. What I added to the wall was an old window frame that I had, but used in another way.

I re-purposed it to fill the space with a larger sized item but also thought it would make a nice layering piece with the Life is Like a Camera wall art. I like how it feels like the art is floating on the window, adding visual interest.

The selection of art wall decor that The Home Depot stocks is very impressive. It was really hard choosing exactly what to pick, but I must say there is something for every style and every budget.

Incorporate a Rustic Piece

Since I was making small updates to add a more modern feel to our home, I swapped out the ottoman for this refined rustic angle iron barnwood storage coffee table. I love the color and grain of the wood and the simple clean lines of the frame.

The black metal frame is very sturdy (trust me, my hubby stood on it to hang the chandelier and he is 6 ft. 5 in.). The quality and finish on both the wood and metal is beautiful and elegant. The photos don’t give it justice.

Add Modern Elements

To add more modern elements to the dining room, I added two bacall natural cream cotton blend high back dining chairs to both ends of the table. Before, there was one chair on one side on the dining table which left the room feeling unbalanced to me.

By adding these chairs with clean lines to my farmhouse table, a modern farmhouse look was instantly achieved. What I love best about my new chairs is the quality and softness of the cotton fabric and that the fabric is removal in case you have to clean it.

The chair is well built and comes assembled in one piece. You will find these to be a classic and timeless addition to  your home that can be enjoyed for years to come.

My home has typically been decorated in a French farmhouse style. But, I really love the way adding the farmhouse gallery wall and other modern pieces from The Home Depot have created a modern farmhouse feel to my home easily and affordably.

Find decor pieces from The Home Depot to create your own farmhouse gallery wall and living room. Find more inspiration for your farmhouse living room on The Home Depot Blog. Follow our Living Room Ideas board on Pinterest for more inspiration.

The post How to Design a Modern Farmhouse Gallery Wall and Living Room appeared first on The Home Depot Blog.

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Master Bathroom Makeover

A master bath makeover may seem overwhelming—from choosing the tile to selecting the vanity there is a lot to consider. Fashion blogger Lauren Lefevre of Edit by Lauren chose to mix neutrals creating the perfect backdrop to make her colorful accessories pop!

Master Bath Makeover

When my husband and I purchased our house shortly after we were married over ten years ago, I was thrilled by our fairly spacious bathroom but loathed the dark tiling and cabinets. I dreamed of one day turning this space into a relaxing, light and bright bathroom!

This remodel was put off over the years due to babies, a temporary move to Texas and prioritizing other home projects…but this year, I was finally able to make this master bath makeover dream a reality!

I knew I wanted a light, bright and clean-looking space, but also wanted to be sure to choose practical materials that will withstand the daily life of a family of four, who often all congregate in the master bathroom!

Here’s how I selected some of the most important elements of the bathroom: the vanity and counters, floor tile and shower tile.

Choosing a Vanity

The first element I chose for our bathroom remodel was a new vanity. We had built-in-cabinets previously. I love the look of a free-standing vanity, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that The Home Depot had many gorgeous vanity options that were more cost-effective than replacing the old countertops and refinishing/painting the old cabinetry.

The Wyndham Collection Sheffield Double Vanity with Marble Vanity Top in Carrara was our top choice. I love the clean, modern lines of this piece, the square sinks and the white/gray marble.

The multiple drawers and storage are an added bonus! Most importantly, I let the marble set the tone for the tile selections for the rest of the bathroom, taking me in a white and gray color scheme.

Choosing Floor Tile

I always thought I would choose white floors when I remodeled my bathroom. But, when it came to down to selecting flooring, I started to rethink white!

Since our entire family use our master bathroom, I entertained other options. I am so glad I did! I decided on MARAZZI Montagna Dapple Gray floor tile to give the bathroom a warm and cozy feeling.

It’s also more forgiving and livable than all white! I had the tile laid in a herringbone pattern to give it some extra sophistication. This floor is my favorite part of the bathroom! I couldn’t be more thrilled with how the floor adds texture and variation to the entire space.

Choosing Shower Tile & Backsplash Tile

I’ve always loved the look of a classic white subway tile. Choosing the primary shower tile was an easy decision.

I selected a light gray grout to incorporate continuity with the gray flooring. Since I love mixing patterns and didn’t want the shower to be all linear, I selected a hexagon tile for the shower floor as well as for the back of the shower boxes.

I am so happy with the way it turned out, and how the shower coordinates with the rest of the bathroom.

I love my bathroom! It’s exceeded my expectations and it’s been so fun to see these different elements and textures all come together so beautifully! I love how this neutral palette lends itself to any and all color schemes for accessorizing.

Our bathroom is both pretty and practical, comfortable and classic, cozy and chic… and a room we will enjoy for years to come.

Find more Bath Ideas on The Home Depot Blog. Start your master bath makeover with help from The Home Depot. Follow our Bath Ideas board on Pinterest for more inspiration.

The post Master Bathroom Makeover appeared first on The Home Depot Blog.

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Red Bull Global Rallycross 2018 Season Announced

Red Bull Global Rallycross has announced its 2018 calendar with four scheduled double headers and some new cities – including New Orleans, Louisiana. The final race has taken place in Long Beach, California the past several years; there will still be a race in Los Angeles in July, but in keeping with the “Global” part of the series, the final will be in Europe. The exact location has yet to be announced. Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be a race in Canada this season; the closest to the east of Canada will be in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In fact, that is the only East Coast race at all so far. There is a double header in June with no location indicated. The full calendar:

  Round 1: Louisville, KY (May 19-20) Rounds 2-3: To be announced (June 9-10)* Round 4: New Orleans, LA (June 23-24) Round 5: Los Angeles, CA (July 7-8) Rounds 6-7: Indianapolis, IN (August 11-12)* Rounds 8-9: Atlantic City, NJ (August 25-26)* Round 10: Seattle, WA (September 15-16) Rounds 11-12: Europe (October 27-28)* *indicates doubleheader

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Funny Man Verne Troyer takes delivery of a new Tesla roadster

I always knew that actor Verne Troyer, who will forever be known as Mini Me from the Austin Powers movies was cool, but until I discovered his massive collection of web videos, I had no idea how active he is in today’s media. I also didn’t know that he was totally into cars and food, two of my greatest passions!

In this recent episode of his web series, Troyer takes delivery of his new Tesla, a Verne sized roadster!

The highlight has to be when he drifts the little red rocket around his garage.

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Ford F-Series: Variations on a theme

With a massive season of BBQ events, you could say that 2017 was the year of the truck around here, as we hitched the DCS Appliances event trailer to what seemed like dozens of trucks. Naturally, with so many varieties of F-Series models in Ford’s line-up, we had the opportunity to put several different versions to work.

As the top selling trucks on the Canadian market for more than half a century, the F-Series is the undeniable king of the road. The only question for many potential buyers is: Which F-Series is right for them?

  Our red F-150 tester begins an event journey loaded full of gear and towing the DCS Appliances event trailer.

  F-150

The F-150 is the top selling passenger vehicle on the continent. Not just the top selling truck, but the top selling vehicle. As consumers’ love affair with light trucks continues and the traditional car segment shrinks, Ford showrooms continue to churn out F-150s at an unbelievable rate.

Newly revamped for the 2018 model year, the F-150 is close to being the “nice car” that many auto scribes fear. A vehicle which does everything it is supposed to do, with no surprises. It gets decent fuel economy, works hard and keeps its occupants comfortable. Despite being new, driving the F-150 somehow feels like hanging out with an old friend, which goes a long way towards explaining its ongoing sales success.

The previous model Eco-boost 6-cylinder model suffered from poorer fuel economy than most buyers expected, when driven in the real world. The 2018 model has received a new 10-speed automatic transmission which allows the 2.7L V6 to consume about 11 L/100 Km (22 MPG) in combined city and highway driving. Our testing confirmed that this is a real world number, even when towing our small event trailer with the bed loaded with coolers. On the road, the transmission shifts so smoothly that it is barely noticeable.

A trio of power options are available, allowing buyers to choose the best towing capacity for their needs, right up to 13,200 pounds (5,988 kg) which surprisingly comes from the 3.5 V6 and not the 5.0 V8 as many would expect.

Creature comforts abound, from available seat massagers to audio & video options, all using the latest version of Sync, which has proven itself to be a user friendly infotainment hub. Like the folks at GMC and Chevy, Ford now offers a WiFi hotspot in its trucks.

Driver aids have become the modern battlefield as automakers work to protect unskilled and inattentive drivers from themselves and the pickup market is not immune. To that end, Ford has made a wide range of technology available in the new F-150, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Information System which works with trailers up to 33′ in length and lane keep assist. A 360 degree camera aids drivers while backing into a spot and is super helpful when connecting a trailer.

We haven’t tried it, but reports from some colleagues say that the available Pro Trailer Backup Assist system is a game changer for those who are not confident backing up with a trailer.

  The F-250 is a common sight on farms and construction sites.

F-250 Super Duty

Drive by pretty much any farm or construction site these days and you will see a line up of F-250 Super Duty trucks. For the old school truck fan, this is what we used to call a 3/4 ton truck. A big boy. That said, the days of the rough and tumble 3/4 ton beater are long gone. Today’s F-250 buyers can choose to option in all of the creature comforts and luxury items available on the F-150.

The big difference comes in the amount of work the vehicle is capable of. Depending on configuration, the F-250 Super Duty can tow up to  17,562 lbs. (7,983 kg.), half again as much as an F-150. Sitting a bit higher than the F-150 and having a stiffer ride than its smaller sibling, the F-250 also boasts a more imposing exterior look.

While it does ride higher that the F-150, it was not so much taller that we needed to resort to an extended drop hitch in order to haul the event trailer.

There was one negative that we discovered with the F-250 and surprisingly that was a towing feature. This model was equipped with dual pane mirrors, aimed at making it easier to back up a trailer. I’m sure it works fine with a large trailer, but with a small utility type trailer the convex portion of the mirror creates a weird situation when backing up, especially in the dark. The turning movement of the trailer can’t be seen until the trailer has “over” rotated. I guess what I mean is that every single time I backed the rig up, I could not keep it in a straight line and took multiple attempts to get the trailer where I wanted it.

F-350 Super Duty

This is where things get serious! After helping with the weekly press-car swap, my daughter was excited to report that she was at eye level with drivers of moving trucks while sitting stopped in traffic. In other words, the F-350 is a seriously large truck. Our tester was an F-350 Lariat, which is kind of a mid-range model. Full of most of the mod-cons mentioned above fitted to a vehicle with a cabin more spacious than some overseas hotel rooms.

This beast is powered by a 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel which generates 440 horsepower and an inconceivable 925 lb-ft of torque which is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. When configured correctly, the Super Duty can tow up to 21,000 LB!

The height was so great that we would have needed a 6″ drop hitch to tow the event trailer with this truck, so we used it for hauling refreshments instead. We filled the bed with 30 cases of water, 20 cases of pop and a cooler with close to 100 lbs of smoked pork ribs. Nowhere near the 3,461 kg payload rating, the extra 230 kg weren’t even minutely noticeable behind the wheel.

Height is not the only thing one notices about the drive experience. All of that capability means that the F-350 has seriously tough underpinnings and that means a ride that is beyond stiff. If you are spatially challenged in a parking lot, a vehicle of this size is not for you. If you do need a truck with heavy duty work credentials however, the F-350 may be right up your alley.

Ford F-150 Raptor

With all of this talk about work, it might be easy to forget about the fun side of Ford’s F-Series. Powered by a twin-turbo V-6 descended from the mighty Ford GT, the Raptor has the soul of a desert racer. It gets the fantastic fuel economy expected of a winning endurance racing legend in the making, while also boasting hoon-tastic off-road performance. You can read our full review of the Raptor here.

Loads of choices

It is pretty easy to see why the F-Series has an ongoing grip on consumers, as the model line-up really does offer pretty much something for everyone from families and weekend warriors to farmers, construction crews and those who need to tow the biggest loads around.

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Stylish and Customizable Kitchen Makeover

Sarah Dorsey of Sarah M Dorsey Designs planned the kitchen makeover of her dreams with the help of The Home Depot and its kitchen designer services. Read on to find out how she got her dream kitchen.

Stylish Kitchen Makeover with Help from a Kitchen Designer

After years in several rentals, we’ve seen our share of bad kitchens. When it came time for a kitchen makeover in our first home, we knew exactly what we wanted—and more importantly—what we didn’t want!

One of the things that we loved most about our house when we purchased it three years ago was how open the main living space was, with the exception of the kitchen. We knew that it had potential. With a new space plan, brighter finishes, and improved cabinets and appliances, our kitchen went from cramped and dysfunctional to a room that flows with the rest of our house.

It was so easy working with The Home Depot kitchen designer to bring our exact vision to life! Come on inside to see how it came together!

Before

First, here’s a before. The space was dark and cramped for one person (let alone multiple people). Narrow walkways, an awkward corner sink that was hard to reach, a tiny island, angled tile transition and cramped corner cabinets made the space feel claustrophobic.

After meeting with the kitchen designer at The Home Depot, we were able to go over the issues with our space and find solutions with Kraftmaid cabinets.

Custom Flooring

Since we had hardwood everywhere in the main living space except in the kitchen, we wanted to remove the tile and run the hardwood into the kitchen for continuity and flow. We installed unfinished hardwood in the kitchen and then the floors were sanded and refinished.

In-Progress Cabinets

After planning and working through the plumbing, electrical and floors, WOW did it come together in just a few days after the cabinets were installed!

Kitchen Makeover Final Reveal

We also demoed the right corner wall to open the space up and accommodate a large center island. I love how open it feels now! The island is probably my favorite part of the space. We went from a tiny island that was essentially only large enough to accommodate the cooktop to a 6-ft. x 7-in. x 4-ft. x 4-in. countertop. Perfect for preparing food and for friends and family to gather before a meal.

We were able to get a custom cabinet look without the price by utilizing Kraftmaid cabinets in creative ways.

The floor to ceiling cabinets to the right of the refrigerator were created by stacking multiple cabinets to get just the right height. Adding a line of drawers breaks up the doors and adds storage for small flat items, like utensils. The simple flat moulding at the top provides room to get it perfect at the top.

Pro-tip: if you have uneven wood ceilings like we do, get a two-part moulding. It gives a little more flexibility to be adjusted as it’s installed.

Another way we utilized Kraftmaid cabinets was through the island. It’s composed of a 24-in. deep cabinet and a 12-in. deep cabinet with an end panel that matches the doors on each side to cover the seams of where the cabinets meet. Adding a 14-in. overhang and 3-in. square legs provides lots of storage and a place to eat!

One of my biggest complaints about our previous kitchen was the lack of smart storage. Having a place for everything prevents things from being piled on top of each other in cabinets and keeps clutter off of the countertop.

Cabinets

The large drawers to the right of the refrigerator have wooden dividers, which came installed from Kraftmaid. I used to have a deep drawer where utensils were tossed in. I donated extra utensils that were duplicates or not used. Now everything has a place and is easy to find!

The wood tiered drawer storage is perfect for small utensils. I love that it utilizes the entire height of the drawer by including two sections. The top slides back to reveal a second space below. Genius!

We also selected a spice drawer insert. I love that all the spices are within easy reach and easy to find. No more searching through cabinets trying to find the right spice!

Trash and recycling are also hidden within the cabinet, but within easy reach with a roll-out drawer.

Living in several rentals, we’ve used lots of different cabinets. These are by far the nicest cabinets that we’ve used. They are solid, with maple construction and dovetail joinery, have soft close drawers and doors, and a variety of accessories and options. We love them!

My number one must have in the space was large walkways. It makes working in the space much more functional. Multiple people (and two dogs!) can be in the space and not constantly bump into each other. If space allows, 42-in. wide is a good rule of thumb for walkways in kitchens.

Appliances

Throughout the space, we went with black stainless appliances from Samsung. I love the fresh take on stainless and how it contrasts with the bright white cabinets.

Countertops

For the countertops, we went with a marble look quartz, White Arabesque by Silestone. I love that we get the look of marble, but without the maintenance. It’s extremely durable, heat, stain, scratch, and impact resistant and never needs to be sealed!

The open shelving was a DIY—we used white oak that was cut to fit our space and hidden steel brackets. We’re able to keep it neat and tidy by eliminating dishes that we weren’t using and keeping everyday dishes within arms reach in stacks. I love the open feel and warmth that it adds to the space!

Lighting and Accessories

With our wood ceiling, we can’t easily use recessed lighting, so having a variety of lights was important. The large pendants light up the island, the sconces above the open shelving light the outer countertops. Under-shelf lighting creates a soft light that also lights the countertops.

And did I mention that all lighting, furniture and most of the accessories are available at The Home Depot! I’m obsessed with our space and how it came together. I used to dread being in our kitchen because it was dark and cramped. Now it’s my favorite room in the house!

Find out how a Home Depot’s kitchen designer can help with your kitchen makeover. Check out more kitchen makeover ideas on The Home Depot Blog.

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