Latest news with #DIY
CTV News
9 hours ago
- CTV News
Here Are All The Basics You Should Keep In Your Toolbox
Build your confidence and your toolkit with these dependable must-haves for everything from crafts to DIY home projects. Not sure what to keep in your toolbox? You're not alone. Whether you're outfitting your first kit or just making sure you have whatever you might need in a pinch, we've compiled a go-to list of essential tools from popular brands. Most of us simply don't need dozens of specialty tools, but a solid lineup of core items can cover almost every basic fix or build. This roundup focuses on must-haves for practical, everyday projects, offering sturdy, versatile options that you'll reach for again and again. From screwdrivers and tape measures to flashlights and stud sensors, these are the top-tray tools worth making space for. Here's everything you should keep in your toolbox: 18 Things From Amazon Canada That Are Both Useful And Budget Friendly 17 Practical, Handy Amazon Canada Products That You'll Be Happy You Ordered How To Organize Your Laundry Room (And 12 Products That'll Help You Do Just That) Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
The 20p hack that makes flies turn around and fly back out of your house – they hate the smell & it lasts for weeks
SOAKING up the sunshine is one of the best parts of summer, but with the hot weather comes a whole host of pests to deal with. One of the more common pests households deal with are flies, which can take over gardens and homes. 2 2 Luckily, you don't have to spend a fortune on gadgets to try and get rid of them, this simple trick will work wonders. It was shared by This Morning pro, Nancy Birtwhistle, and at just 20p you can't go wrong. Her hack is perfect for keeping bugs at bay, and better yet, it's an eco-friendly option that won't harm the environment. First, Nancy warned to keep food away from areas flies might gather, including waste in bins, which can be covered with a lid. "They [flies] hate the smell of citrus and they hate the smell of cloves," she said, explaining how easy it is to keep them at bay. With this in mind, she suggested creating a DIY method to deter the pesky insects. All you need to do is cut a few lemons in half and then stick the cloves into the juicy part. Although the fresh scent is lovely for us humans, the flies can't stand it and will find somewhere else to go. "They just hate it," the pro said as she explained how she keeps a just one in her conservatory, and in other rooms around her house. "My husband just didn't believe this until he saw a fly come in, see this, turn around and fly out," she added. 6 ways to get rid of slugs and snails After around a week, the lemon scent will begin to fade, so you can take the cloves out and reuse them with fresh lemons, to keep your home smelling fresh and keep the flies out. And since a bag of lemons from Asda will set you back just 99p, as will a bag of cloves, this back works out at just pennies. If, like most people, you like to leave windows and doors open during the warm summer months, you could also stick one of the clove lemons there too, to deter them from coming inside. "But two easy solutions can be to regularly pour hot water down your drain (every three-five days) which will effectively clean the drains and kill the eggs, larvae and any adult flies." What are house flies? House flies got their name by being the most common household fly. With their hairy black bodies and translucent wings, these insects can be found worldwide. They generally live for between 15 and 25 days and can survive without food or water for two to three days. What causes a lot of flies in the house? House flies are highly attracted to manure, and can often be found around farms. They generally stay within a mile or two of their birthplace, but they have been known to travel up to 20 miles. House flies enjoy being in the sun, and will perch in sunny spots around your home. Bright lights at night can also attract flies. IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
Globe and Mail
13 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
HD vs. LOW: Which is the Better Bet in the Home Improvement Space?
In the high-stakes arena of home improvement retail, two titans dominate the landscape — The Home Depot Inc. HD and Lowe's Companies, Inc. LOW. These industry heavyweights have long been locked in a competitive duel, each carving out a formidable presence in a sector that thrives on consumer demand for housing upgrades, DIY trends and professional construction projects. While both operate within the same core business — selling tools, appliances, building materials and services — their strategic playbooks, market positioning and financial trajectories reveal key differences. Home Depot continues to lead in market share and professional customer penetration, while Lowe's has been reshaping its model with targeted investments in digital infrastructure and store productivity. As macroeconomic conditions shift and consumer behavior evolves, this face-off explores how each retailer is positioned for sustained dominance and which is better built for long-term growth. The Case for HD As the largest home improvement retailer in the United States, Home Depot commands an estimated 25% share of the highly fragmented $1-trillion home improvement industry. In first-quarter fiscal 2025, the company posted $39.9 billion in sales, a 9.4% year-over-year increase, with strong performance across categories like appliances, electrical and building materials. Despite a slight comp decline of 0.3%, Home Depot's deep market penetration and diversified customer base — from DIYers to large-scale Pros — continue to reinforce its leadership. The retailer's portfolio, including its 2,350 stores and rapidly expanding SRS division, positions it to tap into a significant pool of deferred demand, estimated at $50 billion in home improvement spending. Home equity remains strong, as more than 55% of U.S. homes are more than 40 years old, signaling ongoing structural tailwinds. Home Depot is investing in the Pro ecosystem, enhancing order management, pricing and credit solutions. The SRS acquisition, spanning roofing, pool and landscaping, boosts organic growth while expanding reach into complex, large-ticket projects. Simultaneously, Home Depot is doubling down on digital innovation. Its 'Magic Apron' generative AI tool boosts e-commerce engagement, while fast, reliable delivery and strong in-stock rates elevate customer satisfaction. Digital sales rose 8% year over year, and features like AI-powered associate tools are sharpening execution at scale. The brand's trusted image, wide assortment and premium positioning ensure that Home Depot remains the go-to destination for home upgrades and contractor-grade solutions alike. HD is well-positioned to manage tariff headwinds, with more than 50% of sourcing in the United States and diversified supplier bases, where no single country outside the United States will account for more than 10% of purchases by fiscal 2026. The company plans to maintain stable pricing, leveraging productivity and SKU rationalization rather than passing on broad cost increases, potentially widening its advantage over smaller, less agile competitors. As market dynamics evolve, Home Depot's scale, strategy and innovation keep it firmly anchored as a long-term investment cornerstone. The Case for LOW Lowe's, the second-largest player in the U.S. home improvement market, holds 17-18% of the $1-trillion industry, with a strong focus on both DIY and Pro customer segments. In first-quarter fiscal 2025, the company generated $20.9 billion in sales despite 1.7% comps decline, which was largely attributed to soft early spring weather and reduced big-ticket DIY demand. With more than 1,700 stores nationwide and growing brand equity, Lowe's has a distinct market position focused on value, innovation and helpful customer service. Its recent acquisition of Artisan Design Group adds a growth lever, giving Lowe's access to the $50-billion planned Pro spend segment linked to home construction. Lowe's is scaling its Total Home strategy with targeted investments in Pro, online and in-store experience. The company saw mid-single-digit Pro comp growth in the fiscal first quarter and is expanding its reach through initiatives like MyLowe's Pro Rewards and the rollout of AI-powered tools to assist both customers and associates. Lowe's localization strategies and productivity efforts, including rural-specific assortments and private label innovations, position it to tap into underpenetrated and high-potential geographies and categories. These moves are building a more responsive and digitally connected omnichannel network for the future. On the tariff front, LOW has been proactive: nearly 60% of its sourcing is U.S.-based, with China exposure trimmed to 20%, and ongoing diversification is underway. Management has emphasized that it will remain price competitive, using a portfolio-based approach and deep vendor relationships to mitigate margin impacts. With strategic clarity, prudent financial management and a long runway for growth in Pro, digital and marketplace offerings, Lowe's presents a compelling investment case in a maturing but opportunity-rich sector. How does Zacks Consensus Estimate Compare for HD & LOW? Home Depot's fiscal 2025 sales are projected to grow 3.1% year over year to $164.5 billion and EPS is expected to decline 1.3% year over year to $15.04. HD's EPS estimates for fiscal 2025 moved up by a penny in the last 30 days. Home Depot's annual sales and earnings are slated to increase 4.4% and 9.2% year over year, respectively, in fiscal 2026. HD's Estimate Revision Trend Meanwhile, Lowe's fiscal 2025 sales are expected to increase 0.7% year over year to $84.3 billion, and EPS is anticipated to rise 2.4% to $12.29. LOW's EPS estimates for fiscal 2025 have moved up 0.4% in the past 30 days. Lowe's annual sales and earnings are slated to increase 3.4% and 9.2% year over year, respectively, in fiscal 2026. LOW's Estimate Revision Trend This clearly illustrates that both Home Depot and Lowe's have witnessed upward estimate revisions in the past 30 days. However, LOW's estimates indicate year-over-year increases in sales and earnings for fiscal 2025, whereas HD's EPS estimate suggests a decline. Price Performance & Valuation Comparisons of HD & LOW In the past year, Home Depot's stock had the edge in terms of performance despite recording a decline of 1.8%, including dividends. This has noticeably lagged the benchmark S&P 500's return of 9.5% but has outperformed Lowe's 7.3% decline. 1-Year Price Performance From a valuation perspective, Home Depot trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 22.31X, which is above its 5-year median of 22.28X, and Lowe's is trading at 16.58X, below its 5-year median of 17.59X. Home Depot stock seems pricey. Its premium valuations reflect its superior alignment with Pro customers, and well-recognized and trusted private-label portfolio, reinforcing its market leadership. If the company sustains its aggressive focus on Pro contractors and investments in supply-chain efficiency, the premium can be warranted. Conversely, Lowe's stock looks cheap from a valuation perspective. LOW has made significant strides in recent years by refining its operations, expanding its Pro segment and enhancing digital capabilities, aiming to close the gap with its bigger rival, highlighting its growth prospects. Lowe's appears more attractively valued on a relative basis, suggesting an upside if execution improves. Dividend Analysis: HD & LOW Apart from stability and growth potential, Home Depot and Lowe's tend to attract investors with their strong record of paying out regular dividends. These companies have consistently raised dividend payouts, reflecting their confidence in their earnings growth potential. Home Depot offers a dividend yield of 2.64%, supported by a payout ratio of 61%, signaling a balance between rewarding shareholders and reinvesting in the business. HD has a five-year dividend growth rate of 10.6%. (Check HD's dividend history here) Lowe's, with a dividend yield of 2.17% and a lower payout ratio of 39%, provides more room for dividend growth. LOW has a five-year dividend growth rate of 19.1%. (Check LOW's dividend history here.) Conclusion Home Depot and Lowe's demonstrate solid fundamentals, strong brand equity and deep industry expertise. Home Depot remains the market leader with a broader scale, a dominant Pro business and robust financial efficiency. However, Lowe's is quickly narrowing the gap through targeted investments in digital innovation, marketplace expansion and strategic acquisitions. Its sharper focus on store productivity, a revitalized Pro strategy and growing online presence position it well to capitalize on the evolving demands of both DIYers and professional contractors. What ultimately strengthens the investment case in favor of Lowe's is its compelling valuation and stronger upside potential. Still, in the early stages of its transformation, Lowe's has several self-driven growth levers that appear underappreciated by the market. Recent upward revisions to earnings estimates further underscore growing investor confidence in the company's long-term trajectory, even amid macro uncertainty. With a disciplined strategic roadmap and improving operational execution, Lowe's emerges as the more compelling opportunity for investors seeking value and momentum in the home improvement space. Both HD and LOW currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and Sells We're not kidding. Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent. Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators, and more, that closed 256 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2024 alone. See Stocks Now >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW): Free Stock Analysis Report The Home Depot, Inc. (HD): Free Stock Analysis Report
Health Line
17 hours ago
- General
- Health Line
How to Make Bar Soap Yourself
It's possible to make bar soap at home using ingredients such as lye and oils. Following a recipe and knowing which precautions to take can help make bar soap making a fun and generally safe activity. You have plenty of options for buying soap in stores, but it's also possible to make soap at home. Making a mild soap can be both fun and cost effective. Plus, you can choose the ingredients and scents based on your preferences. Read on for tips to make homemade soap and a recipe to get you started. Bar soap making: The basics By definition, soap is fat or oil mixed with an alkali. The oil comes from an animal or plant, while the alkali is a chemical called lye. In bar soap-making, the lye is sodium hydroxide. Combining and then heating oil and lye results in soap. This chemical reaction is called saponification. Without lye, saponification isn't possible, so lye is necessary to create soap. A note on lye Some people are concerned about lye. On its own, this highly corrosive substance can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. However, with proper techniques, saponification turns lye into soap. No lye will remain in the final product. The following are basic soap-making supplies, many of which you can find online: kitchen scale stainless steel container glass container candy thermometer (that you use only for soap-making) soap moulds soap cutter Pyrex measuring cup Avoid aluminum Avoid using aluminum or tin containers to handle lye, since this can be unsafe. Soap-making safety equipment You'll also need safety equipment, such as: safety goggles rubber or latex gloves oven mitt long-sleeved shirt to protect your arms apron well-ventilated work area Basic ingredients To make a DIY soap with coconut and olive oils, you'll need: 7 ounces (oz.) coconut oil 17 oz. olive oil 2 oz. grapeseed oil For the lye mixture, you'll need: 78 grams (g) sodium hydroxide (NaOH) 215 g filtered water Calculating fat to lye ratios While you can adjust the ingredients to make smaller or larger batches, it's important to calculate a safe amount of lye. The safe amount for your recipe depends on the type and amount of oil you use. Always calculate the amount of lye using an online lye calculator. Bar soap for beginners There are two methods for making bar soap from scratch: Hot process: In hot process soap-making, external heat accelerates saponification. It cures more quickly than cold process soaps, meaning it is quicker to use after making. Cold process. Cold process uses the internal heat that's naturally produced during saponification. The bars will completely harden in around 6 weeks. While it takes longer to cure, cold process soap is more moisturizing. Below, you'll find instructions for cold process soap. Directions According to Stephanie Rose, author of the blog Garden Therapy and multiple DIY books, you can follow the following steps to make homemade bar soap: Put on your safety gear and measure out all of the ingredients. Gently heat the oils in a stainless steel pot on the stove. The temperature should reach 115°F (46°C). Pour the room temperature water into a Pyrex measuring cup or heat resistant glass bowl. While stirring, very slowly add the lye solution to the water. Always add the lye solution to the water. Do not add the water to the lye, as this can be unsafe. The water and lye solution mix will get very hot. Stir until it dissolves, then place the cup or bowl in an ice bath and let it cool to 115°F (46°C). Once both the lye and the oils are at 115°F (46°C), pour the lye slowly into the oil mix. Stir rapidly in circles until the mixture becomes thick. At this stage, you can add in any essential oils or natural colorings. Make sure to add them quickly as the mixture is beginning to thicken. Pour the mixture into the moulds and seal the tops. Wrap the moulds in towels and place them on top of the fridge for 48 hours. After 48 hours, take the soaps out of the moulds. Cut the soap with a soap cutter, then place the soaps on a wire rack. Let the soap cure for 6 weeks. Tips for soap-making Always work in a ventilated area when preparing the lye. When adding lye to water, avoid touching the container with bare hands or breathing in the fumes. Always mix the lye and oils when they are at a temperature of 115°F. If the temperatures are too high, this can be dangerous Never ingest the soaps or any of the ingredients. Soap can be severely poisonous. When using essential oils: The number of drops will usually depend on the oil's quality and your personal preference. Fragrance oils are usually more concentrated, so you may want to start with fewer drops. It often helps to stick with one scent and one colorant until you understand how they affect the finished soap. Tips on choosing soap ingredients The basic ingredients of soap are: animal fat or vegetable oil 100% pure lye distilled water essential or skin-safe fragrance oils (optional) colorants (optional) Fats or oils The best fat or oil depends on your preferences. Traditionally, soap was made with animal fat, but some people also use plant oils. Depending on your oil, the finished soap's hardness and lather will vary. Examples of fats and oils used in soap-making include: lard tallow olive oil coconut oil avocado oil almond oil jojoba oil hemp oil cocoa butter mango butter shea butter Use oils from animal or vegetable sources only. Soap can't be made with petroleum-based oils. Water Water is an essential ingredient. It's used to make a lye solution, which is combined with oil. The water helps the oil and lye complete the saponification process. By the time the soap hardens, most of the water will have evaporated. It's recommended to use distilled water. Some soap-makers use other liquids, such as: tea coffee beer goat's milk coconut milk These options can be tricky to work with if you're a beginner, so you may want to stick with water for your first try. Scents Soap doesn't need a scent to get your skin clean. But if you'd like to add a pleasant smell, you can use essential oils or fragrance oils. Essential oils are mostly plant-based, and you can combine them to create custom aromas. Fragrance oils are synthetic. When selecting fragrance oils, look for skin-safe options. Making your own recipe Following a recipe is helpful when you're a beginner. Before you start making your own concoctions, it's important to get acquainted with the basics of soap-making. Creative experimentation can absolutely add more fun to the process. But getting some basic experience first can help you understand how to safely handle the ingredients and prevent creative detours from becoming safety hazards. Tips to keep in mind: Using recipes will help you understand the proper proportions of lye versus oils required to avoid making skin-irritating soap. For example, crumbly soap indicates that it contains too much lye. Different oils can lead to different finished products. By trying out varied recipes that use different oils, you can get a feel for the type of soap each oil produces. Then, when you're comfortable, you can start experimenting. Playing with the fragrances, oil types, and water alternatives in existing soap recipes can help you create your own. Remember: Using a lye calculator can help you safely align your ingredient proportions with your desired result.
New York Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
Who's More Likely to D.I.Y.?
Being a homeowner means taking on projects big and small, long-planned and unexpected. But will you do-it-yourself, or will you find that the job is best suited for a hired professional? The answer largely depends on your income and age, according to a report and expert insight from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. In its latest report, Improving America's Housing 2025, the center conducted an analysis of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2023 American Housing Survey. Household income and homeowner age were among the factors that influenced spending on home improvements and repairs, and the type of projects that were undertaken. The report compared five income groups, the lowest earning less than $37,500 and the highest more than $172,000. The lowest earners spent an average $3,100 a year on projects like landscaping, minor plumbing repairs and bath upgrades. That was a fraction of the $10,900 spent by the highest earners, who tended to hire professionals for pricier and more complex installations, such as window replacement. While the bottom fifth spent less, their expenses represented a greater slice of their income — 16.3 percent versus 3.7 percent of the top income group. 'Lower-income householders are often cash strapped,' said Sophia Wedeen, a senior research analyst with the Joint Center. 'The fact that they're investing so much less in dollars but spending more of their incomes is certainly reinforcing inequities in housing conditions and finances.' The calculations also considered race and ethnicity, household composition and other traits, but of the homeowner characteristics evaluated, Ms. Wedeen noted, income is a main driver of spending. Professional installations make up the bulk of home project spending. Yet, when looking at D.I.Y.s, Ms. Wedeen explained, lower-income and younger homeowners — specifically those under the age of 35 — were 'most likely' among other age and income groups to undertake and spend money on doing the work themselves. 'There are many drivers of D.I.Y. activity, and certainly part of it is age,' said Ms. Wedeen. Younger homeowners have lower incomes, have had less time to build the home equity often used to fund larger professional projects and are more likely to live in newer homes that don't need major work. D.I.Y. jobs are typically smaller and less expensive. Plus, she said, this group tends to be more interested in being hands-on. Home Improvement Spending Snapshot The disparity in spending between D.I.Y. and professional projects is notable, as is the gap in what the highest and lowest earners spend for each. D.I.Y. project spending MOST SPENT BY AGE LOWEST EARNERS HIGHEST EARNERS $376 $1,086 $1,020 BY THOSE UNDER 35 YEARS OLD Professional project spending LOWEST EARNERS HIGHEST EARNERS MOST SPENT BY AGE $1,884 $8,018 $4,717 BY THOSE 35 TO 44 YEARS OLD D.I.Y. project spending Professional project spending LOWEST EARNERS LOWEST EARNERS $376 $1,884 HIGHEST EARNERS HIGHEST EARNERS $1,086 $8,018 MOST SPENT BY AGE MOST SPENT BY AGE $1,020 $4,717 BY THOSE UNDER 35 YEARS OLD BY THOSE 35 TO 44 YEARS OLD Source: Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard Univiersity By The New York Times
