Home Improvement for Women

Did you know that there are a handful of home repairs and renovations you can do yourself?  Especially these days when you may not want to pay $150 an hour for a plumber, or shell out $1000 to a contractor for a paint job you could do over a weekend.  So in this series of three posts I’ll share my list of top 10 do-it-yourself fixes.  Keep these posts in your “everything” drawer.  You’ll save time and money — and might even have some fun in the process!

The perfect toolbox: Just as every woman should have the perfect manicure set, every woman should have the perfect toolkit with the following items: hammer, screwdriver, pliers or wrench, tape measure, Teflon sealant tape, level, electric drill and hex keys. Each tool should be contained in a soft or hard bag within easy reach and kept away from all who might think of taking it!

Bathroom fixes:

1. Change a showerhead

It’s easy to make an old shower look new.  A new showerhead can perk up an old bathroom, improve shower flow and even add a massage feature.  Use pliers or your hand to twist off the old showerhead (counterclockwise) while holding the shower pipe stem.  Wrap the Teflon sealant tape two or three times around the threads at the end of the pipe stem. Using a cloth under the pliers to protect the new showerhead fitting, screw on the new showerhead (clockwise) until tight.  You’ve now earned that hot, steamy shower!

2. Unclog the toilet

Don’t call the plumber!  This is one easy fix you can certainly do yourself. Place the cup of the flanged plunger over the drain outlet, and plunge up and down rapidly while maintaining a seal around the lip of the cup. Slowly pour a 2-gallon bucket of water into the bowl to clear the drain. Repeat plunging, if necessary.

If that doesn’t work, an object may be obstructing the drain. A closet auger, sometimes called a toilet auger, will help. Push the auger cable into the trap (where the water drains out) until the bend sits in the drain opening. Crank the auger handle in a clockwise direction to break up the clog or snag obstructions. Continue to crank as you retrieve the cable and pull the obstruction out of the trap.

3. Repair a running toilet

Step 1: Start with the stopper. Remove the lid and check the guide rod or chain attached to the tank stopper to see if there is any problem with twisting, erosion or buildup that is preventing the stopper from having a complete seal.
 
Step 2: Try the float. Lift the float ball up. If this stops the water from running, try bending the arm so the float ball is buoyant. If the float ball is not floating on top of the water, unscrew the old one and replace it with a new one from the hardware store.
 
Step 3: Eliminate erosion. If the toilet continues to run, there may be buildup or some kind of sediment that is not allowing the stopper to close properly. Check the flush valve and the flush valve seat to see whether there is any damage. The stopper and the valve must be replaced if they are broken.
 
Step 4: Flush away. Your tank should now refill – and stay full.

No more wasted water, and you did it yourself! Barbara’s Way!

Summertime means vacation time — and, like most people, I can’t wait to leave everything behind for some carefree rest and relaxation. Unfortunately, summertime is also peak season for house thefts and there’s nothing relaxing about returning home to find that everything you’ve left behind is gone! Fortunately, a few simple do-it-yourself measures can help you keep your house safe while you’re off enjoying your vacation.

From the Outside In:

The most effective home security program is one that deters burglars as soon as they look at your home. Even something as simple as posting decals or notices that you have an alarm system may be enough to deter a break-in.

Sliding glass patio doors can be easily lifted out of their sliding tracks, but simple pin inserts can prevent vulnerability. To prevent the door from being lifted out of the track, drill a pilot hole in the top track above, and slightly in, from each corner of the sliding door frame section and install a screw into each hole. Adjust the screws so that the head of the screw just barely clears the top of the door when it is moved back and forth. Use a broomstick, metal rod, or wooden dowel in the bottom track to secure the door from opening.

Window bars make it almost impossible to enter your home. But remember, the same safety feature that keeps intruders out can trap you inside: keep the key near the bars.

Install outdoor lighting that operates on timers, light-sensitive photocell mechanisms, or motion detectors. 

Give the impression of activity at your home: Hire someone to keep up with the yard work; ask a friend or neighbor to remove any advertising flyers that are stuffed in your mailbox, or partly under your door, or dropped on your lawn. Stop mail and newspaper delivery until you return. Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open. Don’t hide keys in mailboxes, under doormats, or any other place that burglars will know to look. Ask one of your neighbors or friends to use your driveway to park their car overnight, or anytime they are at home.

From the Inside Out

The simplest way to make a house look occupied is to have the lights, TV, or radio turn on at differing intervals. Plug-in timers are excellent for activating interior electronics. All you have to do is plug the timer into an outlet and then plug your light or TV into the same outlet.

“Burglar deterrent” CDs offer recorded household sounds selected and recorded to will fill in your apartment with various noises–from kitchen, to living room, even bathroom!–that give the impression that someone is in the apartment

Be sure your fire and smoke detectors’ batteries are fully charged, and put all of your important documents in a steel lock box in a safe location.

Go Wireless.

Advancements in wireless technology have made reliable systems affordable, and you can install a system in an afternoon. Sketch out a rough floor plan of your home and mark those areas where you would like protection. Designate the placement of the main control box near a power source and close to your main entry door, so you can arm and disarm the unit easily. If you prefer an out-of-sight display, choose a system that can be activated and deactivated with a wireless key fob (like the kind that locks and unlocks your car.) If you are using a system that automatically informs police and fire, locate the main controls near a phone line.

Affix the wireless sensors to external doors and windows. These are usually magnetic devices that are triggered when the circuit is broken. Other sensors may be placed throughout your home to detect movement. These motion detection sensors are simply screwed to the wall. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can also be added to your system.

Go Hi-Tech

If you really want to know what’s happening when you’re not home (no parties in the pool, kids!) various Web systems allow you to watch and control the camera from any Internet–connected computer through a simple Web browser; others let you give commands and view images via cell phone. Some will even e–mail you video clips at specific times you set, or when the camera detects motion. New programs for the iPhone allow you to control your entertainment system, lighting, HVAC system, security systems, and even your power consumption.

Go Low-Tech

For total peace of mind while you’re floating in the waves at the beach, you don’t always have to do-it-yourself: keep your home and possessions safe by hiring a trusted house sitter!

With everyone making a “break for it,” the Fourth of July Holiday weekend should prove to be a hustle and bustle of families driving to beaches, mountains and backyard bbq’s. With the recent heat wave we’ve been experiencing it’s important to keep your cars in good operating condition to be safe. So here are some suggestions:

FLUIDS

Check your fluids: All fluids should be checked while the car is on a flat surface – otherwise the readings could be inaccurate. Aside from the washer fluid, all fluid systems under the hood are closed, if after replenishing them they again read “low”, something is probably leaking. First, check for fluid underneath your car. If you see droppings you know there is an issue so get it checked out as soon as possible.

Oil: Check it monthly with the engine off (use the barbara’s way grip it gloves to make your work easier and so you dont get grease on your hands. They can be purchased at www.homedepot.com). Change it and the filter every three months or 3,000 miles.

Coolant: Check the level monthly, add when necessary but give the engine the opportunity to cool down. Make sure to have the system flushed once a year.

Transmission: Check it monthly, change it every 2 years or 20,000 miles, or as recommended by the owner’s manual. Automatic transmissions have their own dip-sticks and are usually read when the engine is running and warm. Manual transmissions need to be checked from underneath the car – you’ll probably want to take the car into a service station for this. It’s easiest to have it checked every 3,000 miles when you are getting a regular oil change.

Windshield wiper fluid: Take a peek every week; in winter or during rainy seasons you might want to check it more frequently.

TIRES

Check the pressure (after you have driven a bit) at least once a month. Don’t forget to check the spare tire, too! Not sure what the right pressure is? Most cars have a sticker on the inside of the driver’s side door that will tell you. If you’ve changed tires since the car was new, it’s best to check the sidewall of the tire for recommended pressure. Also, if you hear your tires screeching as you make slow turns, it could mean your tire  pressure is low. Proper tire pressure increases your gas mileage and saves you money.

To use a tire gauge, place it on on the tire valve and just press down. Read the number and check it against your cars specific manual requirements. If air is needed, press the air pump nozzle onto the tire valve to inflate. Some valves require you to press a lever as well. Check the tire pressure with tire gauge again and adjust air if needed. You should rotate the tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or every second oil change.

Wiper blades: Replace once a year, unless there’s obviously a problem like streaking

Air filter: Change once a year, or every 20,000 miles. If you live in an area that’s excessively sandy or dusty, check it twice a year or more.

Safety equipment you should always have in your trunk: Flashlight, jumper cables, emergency beacons or reflectors of some kind (and try to pull the car off the road should any event occur both for your safety and for the safety of other drivers), first aid kit and disposable camera.

Now you can travel safely and you checked your car Barbara’s Way!

As much as kids (and parents) welcome the arrival of summer and long days spent outdoors, it’s inevitable that there will be times when it’s too hot or rainy to make the trek to the playground or beach. Use this indoor time to undertake easy, fun projects that will make a kid’s room into a retreat he or she will want to use all year long.

Gloss over Nothing makes a room feel fresh and clean faster than a new coat of paint. Choose environmentally friendly (low-VOC) paints in easy-to-clean gloss or semigloss finishes.

Also consider the effect colors have on energy levels. Blues and greens feel peaceful and promote relaxation. Red, yellow and orange shades are more energizing. Read more:

Light right Replace traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Lighting should be bright and focused in homework and reading areas, while play and relaxation areas can have more subdued lighting. Installing dimmer switches lets you adjust as necessary.

Make a mark You’ll be the coolest parent in town when you encourage your kids to mark up the walls. Use painter’s tape to outline a large square on the wall. Be sure to place it at a height your children will grow into. (I suggest trying a 3-by-4-foot rectangle starting approximately 3 feet from the floor.)

Fill in the space using low-VOC chalkboard paint. Attach a decorative molding with mitered corners over the painter’s tape to create a frame.

Get to work A dedicated space for a desk, drawers and shelving that can grow with your kids is worth the investment. Set up a workstation in a quiet corner, or consider installing a custom-built one in a closet.

If your budget allows, you could even steal space from an adjoining room for a bump-out. Set the desktop at about 27 inches high (as opposed to 30 inches for an adult); you can make the work surface higher as your child grows.

Installing recessed lighting overhead and planning for power outlets and data lines ensures that your child won’t outgrow the workspace even as his or her needs grow more sophisticated.

Stow away The easiest way to store out-of-season clothing or bedding is under-the-bed storage boxes; they make handy toy chests, too! You can buy these boxes, but it’s easy to make your own by simply repurposing drawers from an old bureau.

Remove any hardware from the drawers and then sandpaper, prime and paint them as desired. Flip the drawers over and set wheels at each corner.

Use a pencil to mark holes where screws will go. Pre-drill holes with your power drill, line up casters over the holes and attach them with wood screws. Measure the inside of the drawer and cut shelf liner to fit.

For more tips on do-it-yourself summer projects visit barbarasway.com.

As the warm weather approaches you may want to make some minor changes on a small budget.  An outdated lampshade can really dull a room so lets make that your next Do It Yourself project. Follow these easy steps and see how you can brighten up any room in your home.

TOOLS: Barbara’s Way tape measure, scissors, glue gun, glue sticks and fabric/material.

TIP: Get creative! Use leather for a conservative look, rice paper from specialty gift stores will give you a modern motif and colored fabric with flowers or print will cheer up a child’s room instantly. You can also add fringe around the bottom of the shade or glue beads, seashells or other small objects to the shade to create a unique and personalized look.

STEP ONE: Remove the lampshade from the lamp, measure the area around the shade as well as the area from top to bottom. Purchase the fabric or material according to these measurements.

STEP TWO: Place the fabric around the lampshade, leaving an extra inch or two all around. Secure the fabric in place with clothespins before you begin the gluing process to insure that you have enough material and prevent mistakes.

STEP THREE: Fold over the extra inch and with your heated glue gun, glue the fabric to the inside of the top and bottom rims of the lampshade. Fold under the seam where the fabric meets and secure with glue.

STEP FOUR: Once the fabric is attached to the shade, you can now add fringe, beads or other objects to the lampshade.

 STEP FIVE: Replace the lampshade onto the lamp and brighten your room for many days to come.

Now turn on that light and pull out your book knowing you have done it Barbara’s Way!

Here are a few tips that your nose can tell you quicker than your eyes can when your car is in trouble.

BURNING RUBBER – If it’s coming from under the hood, something that is rubber (a hose, for example) could be loose and lying on something hot, like the engine. Could also be a belt. If you hear a screeching and smell burning rubber when you turn on the air conditioner or defroster, turn them back off, and keep them off. You’ve probably got a seized air conditioning compressor and you need to take the car in for service. If you smell burning elsewhere, first check the tires to see if one is hotter than the others. Otherwise it could be a brake issue. Either way, have it checked out.

SWEET SMELLING VAPOR –  This is coolant, and it is poisonous. If the smell is coming from under the hood, you may have a bad hose, leaky connection or leaky radiator. If its coming from under the passenger side of the dashboard, it’s a leaky heater core. Have the coolant level checked SOON.

SULFUR (rotten eggs) – Could be an engine or computer problem. Not life threatening, but could get costly if neglected. If the sulfur smell is coming from under the hood it could be your battery. Check it out.

BURNING OIL – Usually indicates that a fluid is low, like motor oil or transmission fluid. Check both. Sometimes this is noticeable after an oil change, meaning some oil got into the exhaust, which is no big deal.

BURNING FOOD – Some describe this smell as “burned toast”. And while Atkins freaks may laugh, this smell usually means something is wrong with your car’s electrical system – and that is bad. Get it checked as soon as possible and be very alert – it cause a fire.

OVERVIEW: Where there is smoke there’s not necessarily a fire, but there is definitely a problem. Usually it means that your car is dehydrated somewhere – not enough oil or transmission fluid.

WHITE SMOKE – (Which is usually water vapor) from the exhaust is normal when the engine is cold and when you first start the car. Lots of white smoke after the engine has warmed up does often mean something is leaking, like a head gasket. This could lead to overheating and get very expensive if not taken care of immediately.

BLUE or BLUISH GRAY SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST – Your car is leaking oil or burning oil. Either way it’s not a good scenario.

BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM EXHAUST – This, especially if you also smell rotten eggs, means hat the fuel/air mix in the engine is not right. This is probably not something you can fix yourself – head to a service station.

Drive Safe this Summer! and do it Barbara’s Way!

How Do You Get Young Kids Involved In Gardening?

What kid doesn’t love playing in the dirt? For kids, working in the garden isn’t a chore, it’s simply fun! Gardening with kids of any age encourages an interest in nature and the environment. Allow them to choose what to grow – tempt them with exotic options such purple carrots, bright orange cauliflower, white cucumbers, or giant pumpkins. You don’t even need a yard to raise a tasty crop to harvest. Growing vegetables like tomatoes in containers or strawberries in window boxes is easy and gratifying. On rainy days, you can do garden crafts—paint flowerpots or create garden plant markers. A child’s attention span is short. Make sure tasks in the garden are simple and can be successfully accomplished in a short period of time. If they decide that it is time to take a break, or hunt for worms, let them. Make sure that you have lots of options available for them, so that when they become bored with one task, they can easily move on to their next project.

What Tasks Are Age-Appropriate For Different Ages/Abilities?Pre-school and kindergarten

1. Tiny hands are perfect for picking small seeds out of packets. Show your child how to use a stick to poke shallow holes, drop in a seed, and gently pat soil over it.
2. Pick rocks out of soil and stack in a neat pile.
3. Kiddie-sized watering cans let even the smallest children “give the plants a drink” without drowning them.

Grade-school and older:

1. Set seedlings in place.
2. Define garden rows. Set poles on opposite sides of the garden, tie string around one and spool it out to the second. Using the string as a guide, use a trowel to dig a shallow line underneath.
3. Working together to properly space plants lets kids use basic math skills, like measuring in inches.
4. Watering the garden with the hose. (Be prepared for a water fight on a hot day!)
5. Fill planting holes with compost, planting soil, or–coolest of all–earthworms! Hunt for the earthworms as you turn over the soil in the garden.
6. Weeding requires concentration and attention. Point out the different shaped leaves and characteristics of the weeds and the crops. 

Fun For The Whole Family (no matter what age): 

Work together, to build the perfect garden resting spot. A shady bean teepee provides a cool hiding spot and provides support for a bumper crop of pole beans.

You will need:  7-9 six-foot bamboo poles or 2×2 beams, twine, pole bean seeds.

1. Find a suitable spot and mark a circular patch of earth (about 4 feet in diameter)

2. Dig a planting trench and add compost and fertilizer

3. Firmly push the ends of the poles into the ground on the outside of the circle. Sink them about 3” deep. Leave a wide gap between two of the poles. This will be the entrance to the teepee.

4. Tie the poles firmly together at the top using the twine. Remember your kids will be running in and out of the teepee, so make sure the poles are firmly tied together.

5. Plant the pole beans about 2” deep. Use two plants per pole and plant them on the inside of the bamboo frame. Water generously

6. In 7 to 10 days, seedlings should appear. With a little training to keep the vines growing in the right direction, the entire frame will soon be covered with thick foliage, followed by flowers, and then, the beans.

7. I like to mix in other plants, like morning glories or nasturtiums for an even more colorful cave!

Enjoy and do it Barbara’s Way!

I was reminded not too long ago about the importance of summer safety when a friend’s daughter slipped and fell on their wet patio.  Luckily, the plucky 11 year old knew how to swim, because she fell into the family’s just-opened and cleaned pool. She was fine, except for wet clothes, and a bruised arm and ego.  But what if she didn’t know how to swim? I don’t even want to think about it! Well, it’s now time for a primer and a reminder on 10 Summer Safety “Must Do’s”. 

1. Update the first aid kit.  Keep a simple first aid kit in the kitchen, bathroom, car and outdoor storage bench or garden shed.  Make sure everyone in the family knows where the kits are kept. If you already have kits, now is the time to make sure that aspirin and any other meds and ointments are up to date and not past expiration. Replace those that are. Make sure bandages are fresh and well stocked as well.  If you’re buying new, check out Johnson and Johnson’s Emergency First Aid Kit for $29.99 or their Large First Aid Kit for less than $10 – both at Target stores.
2. No running! Create and stick to “running rules” for your kids, and their friends.  Normally, that means no running around pools, ponds, and fountains; wet surfaces; cobblestones and other rough terrain. Running on grass, fields and lawns, are fine.  Let’s face it falling down and scraping knees are part of childhood – so be sensible but smart. Want to make the list official? Go to zazzle.com to create a custom poster listing your rules. 
3. Schedule a family refresher course in CPR.  At least one person in the family should be CPR certified, and it would be ideal if everyone in your house were familiar with the procedure. Sign up for courses at your local high school or a Red Cross chapter.
4. Clear gutters and downspouts. Water damage to your home – which can lead to mold and rot – often will occur because of clogged gutters and downspouts. Dry spring weather is the perfect time to clean out last fall’s dead leaves, twigs, dirt and debris.  Guttersense.com makes a gutter-cleaning tool that eliminates the need to get on a ladder – it’s 19.95, plus shipping.  Of course, when doing outdoor work don’t forget your fashionable Barbara’s Way work gloves, available at Home Depot.com for 14.99.
5. Bug patrol. This is the time of year when ants, including detractive carpenter ants, spiders, and other creepy crawlers, start moving around and in – to your house.  Eartheasy.com sells a variety of natural insect control products, safe for kids and pets – but bad for bugs!
6. Check outdoor electrical plugs.  Make sure exterior outlets are in working condition.  Sometimes a harsh winter can wreak havoc on them.  If they don’t work call a licensed electrician for help.  If they are – check out outdoor lighting options such as lamps, torches, and spots.  The Home Depot, for example, sells an outdoor table lamp by Hampton Bay in Weathered Brown for $84.98.  It’s perfect for adding ambiance to romantic dinners al fresco!
7. Check gas grills before firing them up.  Test for leaks, cracks and other damage.  Make sure tanks are full and the grill itself is clean.  To get the grates ready for barbeques, check out Grill Daddy’s Pro Grill Brush, $21.85 on amazon.com.
8. Know your poison plants – from poison ivy to poison sumac, many wild plants can cause rashes, itching, and other unpleasant reactions.  First, identify plants you may suspect of being poisonous.  WebMd.com has a guide to poison vegetation at http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/poison-ivy-oak-sumac along with tips on what to do if you or a family member is exposed.
9. Replace pets’ flea and tick collars.  If your furry friends spend any time outside, make sure they have new, fresh and effective flea and tick collars. Petco, both the stores and online, has a variety of collars, most priced less than $8.00. 
10. Stock up on sunscreen. The tubes from last summer may have lost their effectiveness – even if they have not reached their expiration date the fact that they have been open and exposed to the air can impact efficacy. Start the season with a new bottle or two.  Remember to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and always after swimming.  Kids and babies need extra protection, so look for brands especially made for their delicate skin and at least 30 SPF. Blue Lizard baby sunscreen is my favorite for kids – and is recommended by dermatologists.  It’s about $15 and is available at Walgreens and CVS.

Now go on and have a great (and safe) summer with your family and friends.  You did it, Barbara’s Way! 

OVERVIEW: Create customized storage and display for your treasured reading with this simple-to-build bookcase that can be painted or stained to match your décor.

MATERIALS: 1”x10” or 1”x12” pine board (planed, not the unfinished, knotty, rough-looking stuff); eight 1 ½” long flathead wood screws; 16 x (number of shelves desired) ½” long woodscrews; 4 x (number of shelves desired) L-brackets; wood glue; sandpaper

BARBARA’S WAY TOOLS: 12’ or 16’ tape measure, screwdriver, 4.8v rechargeable cordless screwdriver

OTHER TOOLS: handsaw (or circular saw); c-clamps, pencil

BEFORE YOU BEGIN; If you want to skip the cutting and sanding steps, take your measurements to the lumberyard or home improvements store and have them cut the wood to your specifications.

STEP ONE: Some Simple Math

Take a look at what kinds of books you need to store – paperbacks? hardcovers? over sized art books? – and decide where to place the shelves and the exact dimensions of the bookcase. Now use this simple formula to determine how much wood you’ll need: The top and bottom sections should be the same length. The two sides should be the same length. Each shelf should be 1.5” shorter than the top and bottom pieces.

STEP TWO: Measure Twice, Cut Once

If you did not have the wood cut to order at the lumberyard, measure carefully so you end up with two pieces of equal length for top and bottom, two pieces of equal length for the sides and enough pieces for the number of shelves you’ve decided on (remember, the shelves should be 1.5” shorter than the top and bottom pieces). Mark the measurements with a pencil line. Using the c-clamps, attach your board to sawhorses or a sturdy table or workbench with the line just off the edge. Double-check your measurements. Saw carefully using smooth strokes. Sand the rough-cut edges.

STEP THREE: Assembly required

Glue the tops of two side pieces to the inside edge of the bottom piece. Once the glue is dry, attach the top piece in the same way. Mark a dot in each corner of the top and bottom pieces of wood about 1.5” – 2” from the top and bottom edges and about 3/8” from the outside edges. Using a drill bit that’s smaller in diameter than your flathead wood screws, drill holes at each of the marks. If you do this before you install the screws it should keep the wood from splitting, Put the screws in and tighten.

STEP FOUR: A place for everything

Determine the placement of the shelves and, using the ruler, mark a line on each side of the unit. Screw in the L-brackets so that the top of the bracket is level to the line you just drew. Use two brackets per side. Now slide the shelves in so they rest on the brackets. You can attach the shelves to the brackets for more stability. If you have made a tall shelving unit, you should attach at least one of the middle shelves to the L-brackets for extra support. If the shelf is extra wide, consider using L-brackets on the top and bottom pieces for stability.

STEP FIVE: Finishing touches

It’s all about the decorating now. Paint or stain your bookshelf. Add glass doors or leave them open to display your favorite books and items. Your library is in order – and you did it yourself!

Timesaving Tip: Save even more time – and have adjustable shelves – by using board with pre-drilled holes for shelf supports. Before you take the wood home be 100% sure that the holes match up perfectly from side to side.

The sun is out, the temperature is climbing, summer is not far off. I’ve started thinking about shorts, tank tops and bathing suits, which means it’s time to get in shape.

And if your life is busy like mine, it’s often all too easy to make excuses to skip the gym. By creating a space dedicated to fitness in a corner of my home, I’m able to sneak in a workout any time.

Not only is a home gym a great timesaver, it’s also a smart economic move. Between sign-up fees and memberships, a one-year investment in a gym could cost $2,000 or more. You can work out for a lot less at home.

If you think that having a home gym means you need a spare room or finished space in a garage, basement or attic and lots of expensive equipment, think again. Even if you lack square footage or a big budget, here’s how to create an affordable home workout space that’s virtually invisible when not in use.

Choose your location

You should have at least enough room to be able to comfortably lie down and reach your arms over your head and put them side-to-side. To delineate the space, consider mounting a wooden blind or installing a curtain track on the ceiling. Simply lower the blind or pull the curtain to hide your gym equipment, or for privacy while working out.

Air circulation is also extremely important. A window that allows for fresh air is the first choice. If that isn’t possible, install a ceiling fan.

Buy the basics

All you need to furnish a versatile home gym is a fitness ball, free weights, a weighted jump rope, stretch bands and a ½-inch-thick rubber floor mat. You might also want to consider a doorway chin-up bar, Bosu ball (for balance training) or rebounder (a mini-trampoline).

You can also find treadmills, cardio steppers or elliptical striders that fold away and can be stashed in closets or under furniture.

Use the walls

If you don’t already have one, buy a flat-screen TV so you can watch fitness DVDs (or you can also play DVDs or stream classes online on your computer monitor). Mount the TV on a wall, or situate it on a shelf just below eye level, so you can see it whether you are standing or lying down.

Don’t let the space start looking like a locker room — install simple shelves to store weights and other equipment. Or use rolling storage boxes that slide under a bed or couch. Hide a wall-mounted mirror behind draperies and cover rubber floor mats with an easy-to-roll-up rug made of cotton, lightweight wool or sisal.

Now there are no excuses for being lazy, and no need to panic come summer.

Do it Barbara’s Way!

For more tips, videos and how-to’s, visit barbarasway.com.