DIY

Many a youthful happy hour did I spend at Austin’s famously peripatetic Cedar Door bar, the self-proclaimed inventor of our state’s most famous native cocktail, the Mexican martini. A frosty metal shaker of sweet-tart elixir, a salt-encrusted coupe glass, fat green olives impaled on a wee plastic sword—this was what summer in Texas was made of. The Austin establishment latched on to the idea, someone dubbed the drink a Mexican “martini” (prompting someone else to throw in some olives), and the rest is history. Alas, the Mexican martini you’re likely to get nowadays is a mass-market impostor composed of premade margarita mix and delivered in a cloudy plastic shaker. Not particularly Mexican and not a martini, this is a damn tasty, fittingly weird gift from Austin to the rest of the world.

Summer Science Fun

From how to choose the perfect paint color to how to find high-end lighting for less.

Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

Inexpensive ideas to grow a garden in tight spaces

Spring cleaning done right!

A trend that seems to be sweeping the internet the past few Easter seasons is naturally dyed eggs.

Easy Easter DIY ideas

How to declutter and organize your workspace.

If you want to get your green thumb this spring but don’t have a big area available at home, there’s a gardening technique from the ‘70s making a comeback, which can help your veggies grow even in a limited space.

There’s nothing sweeter than homemade gifts crafted with love.

Looking for a new hobby in 2022?! How about pickling?

Painting furniture is a way to breathe new life into old furnishings.

As one of the most intimate and important spots in the home, the bathroom deserves to be a tidy and clutter-free area.

If you want to spark an interest in STEM in your little ones from an early age, there are simple and fun science experiments you can do with them at home starting at age three.

Looking for a way to beat the hit and keep your kids engaged during the Winter holiday break? There are some thing you can do without breaking the bank that can keep them entertained for hours. Spin Master is a leading global children’s entertainment company best known  for award-winning brands PAW Patrol, Bakugan, Kinetic Sand, Air Hogs, Rubik’s Cube and GUND, and is the toy licensee for other popular properties.

We hate slamming any kind of sweet, but gingerbread is just the worst. Here's how to make a gingerbread house without the gingerbread and common candies.

Even though wrapping gifts is a dreaded task, it gives your present an extra personal touch and it will definitely save you money.

Christmas is right around the corner, and whether you’re planning a holiday party or hosting a family get-together, Jacqueline Terrel, owner of Tudor House Cookies has an easy and festive way to make it sweet and memorable. The mom of four and winner of Food Network’s “Christmas Cookie Challenge” shared the simple steps to create a stunning stacked Christmas cookie tree that’s sure to impress and taste delicious.

If you’re planning a holiday gathering at home, whether big or small, a charcuterie board is guaranteed to impress any guest.

Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, party ideas or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth Cypress Sweets is the one stop shop that can fill all your candy needs. Owner Courtney Okanlomo along with Sweets Specialist Karina Williams shared a festive candy craft that the whole family will love.

Poinsettia season is in full swing.

‘Tis the season to get creative!

Some suggestions on home improvement projects you can tackle yourself.

At an age when most teenagers are busy learning the latest Tik Tok dance craze, banjo virtuoso Nora Brown has just released her second album of old-time twang. When her parents gifted her a ukulele for Christmas at age six they never envisioned she would grow into one of the bluegrass world's rising stars. The now 16-year-old raised in Brooklyn is among the musicians carrying on traditions from the mountains of Appalachia passed down from the genre's old masters.

Looking for a way to incorporate fall into your home decor, without spending big bucks?

If you’re looking for what to plant in your backyard when the cooler temperatures arrive, garlic should be on the top of your list.

How new flooring can take the look of your home to the next level

If you live in Texas and are thinking about giving your home some TLC, you are going to want to keep reading.

DIY home renovation projects have become very popular over the years!

After being turned down by the Food Network two times, Jacqueline Terrel, owner of Tudor House Cookies, was ready to take a break from making cookies. But, with some encouragement from her friends she applied one more time, finally finding sweet success on the show “Christmas Cookie Challenge” where she beat out her competitors to take home the big win.

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer?

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer?

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer?

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer? One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating has you covered.

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer?

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer? One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating has you covered.

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer?

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer? One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating has you covered.

Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin are the local stars of HGTV’s ‘Two Steps Home,’ a show where they help their Houston-area clients sell, buy, and renovate to create their ideal home.

Fariha Nasir is a self-taught DIY expert and first-generation immigrant breaking down barriers. She’s the owner of ‘Pennies for a Fortune,’ a home décor and DIY blog.

If you want to modernize your bathroom, there are smart ways to transform that important space in your home without lifting a hammer.

Bad news y’all! Your towels, bedsheets, and other garments may not be quite as clean as you think!

If you’re wondering, yes--rain barrels and rain harvesting are legal in Texas.

Shaving is one of the most popular hair removal methods available, but whether is razor burns or ingrown hairs, there can be challenges in the pursuit of smooth skin.

HOUSTON – If you want to grow tomatoes from your own garden, spring is a good time to get you started. Ashley Grubb, the founder of Mustard Seed Farm and Market, shared her very interesting secret recipe for growing big tomatoes. The right balance of nutrients, good soil, water, and sunshine are all you need,” said Grubb, who shared the key ingredients that help her tomatoes develop. If you’re wondering where you can get a dead fish to plant your tomatoes, Grubb suggests going to the seafood department in any grocery store or a bait shop. Fish in grocery store (Mustard Seed Farm & Market)For more details on the fertilizer ingredients, see Grubb’s interview in the video above.

HOUSTON – Spring is the most popular time of the year for home maintenance and deep cleaning. To help you tackle your chore list faster and more efficiently, Kathryn Emery, home improvement & lifestyle expert, shares 4 products for an easy spring cleaning. Tackle deep cleaning with a battery-powered shop vac. Sylvania LightSHIELD Germicidal Light Bulb (Sylvania)Product: Sylvania LightSHIELD Germicidal Light Bulb“This is a revolutionary way to clean. Sylvania LightSHIELD light bulbs are everyday lights with germ-fighting benefits.

HOUSTON – Winter storm Uri wreaked havoc on people’s plants and trees all across Texas, but it’s possible for your plants to survive with the right care. Brent Moon, horticultural manager with the Houston Botanic Garden, shared helpful post- freeze tips to get your garden back in shape. Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha ‘Hinckleyana’) (Houston Botanic Garden)“It is very important to remove dead and rotting foliage as soon as possible. Firebush (Hamelia patens) in the Upland Forest (Houston Botanic Garden)“For plants such as Hummingbird bush (Hamelia), Ixora, Oleander, Duranta, Esperanza, etc. To connect with Houston Botanic Garden, click here.

As Greater Houston recovers from the Winter Freeze, master builder Matt Risinger offers guidance on DIY home repairs. We also learn about a new Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund. We also learn about a new Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund, and how the money will go to local nonprofits to help families meet basic relief needs. CVS says starting tomorrow the pharmacy will be offering COVID-19 vaccines at 15 NEW locations in Greater Houston. This is in comparison to just 6 locations in Greater Houston, mostly in the suburbs, when CVS first started rolling out vaccine appointments.

However, it’s easier than it looks if you find one that requires little to no maintenance. Ashley Grubb, Founder of Mustard Seed Farm and Market in Richmond, shared her picks for best durable houseplants for beginners. (iStock)Forgiving plant, requires low light and very low water needs in case you forget to water it occasionally. (iStock)Trendy plant, easy to care for, grows fast and it’s easy to divide and grow more of it. Ashley Grubb (Mustard Seed Farm)The organization is raising funds to start construction next year in Fort Bend County.

HOUSTON – With over a billion views on YouTube, Lily Hevesh is considered a domino superstar. She creates jaw-dropping domino designs that take hours or days to build, and only seconds to fall. Spin Master Games_H5 Domino Creations Lily Hevesh Headshot (Spin Master Games_H5 Domino Creations)Hevesh’s passion started when she was only 9 years old while playing with her grandparents’ dominoes and has taken her to the TV sets of NBC’s Saturday Night Live & The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. She was also hired to build amazing domino projects for the 2016 film “Collateral Beauty,” where Will Smith played the main role. To watch Hevesh’s complete interview and tips, watch the video above.

Home improvement & lifestyle expert, Kathryn Emery, shares four must-haves items that could make your tasks a bit easier. Rubbermaid® FastTrack® Rail Garage Storage System (Rubbermaid® FastTrack® Rail Garage Storage System)Product: Rubbermaid Fast Track Garage Storage Rail SystemGet it: here“When organized, the garage can serve as another room. Shark IQ Robot (Kathryn Emery)Product: Shark IQ RobotGet it: here“I tested four robotic vacuums recently and I love the Shark. Rejuvenate Antibacterial Floor Cleaner (Kathryn Emery)Product: Rejuvenate Antibacterial Floor CleanerGet it: here“This product will kill germs within 5 seconds. Since it’s an antibacterial cleaner it will kill germs everywhere so use it in common, high touch areas such as faucets, doorknobs, remote controls, light switches and more.

HOUSTON – If you dread taking down your holiday decorations, you’re not alone. Pamela Hope Designs Principal Designer Pamela O’Brien has tips to help you get the job and give your home a fresh start for the new year. HOLIDAY TAKE DOWN TIPSPamela Hope Designs Principal Designer Pamela O’Brien shares tips to help give your home a fresh start for the new year. REFRESH YOUR HOME FOR THE NEW YEARPamela Hope Designs Principal Designer Pamela O’Brien shares tips to help give your home a fresh start for the new year. To connect with Pamela O’Brien, visit the Pamela Hope Designs website.

HOUSTON – Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin left their day jobs and started a home renovation business. Fortunately, their work flipping houses right here in Houston got the attention of HGTV. Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin (Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin, HGTV)“We did have solid jobs that we really liked. To connect with Jon Pierre and Mary, visit their website here. To see Jon Pierre and Mary’s complete interview, watch the video above.

Frank Lopez, the creator of one of Chicago's most beloved Christmas houses died last year, but his masterpiece lives on. Family members said they'd keep the lights display going as long as they own the house, and once again the whimsical Victorian is shining brightly with outsize expressions of holiday spirit.