Before I headed out on a short road trip this weekend, I did a quick checkup on my car. I had been having some issues with my engine rattling when my air conditioning was on. I'm really not much of an auto-DIYer, but YouTube has certainly helped me become a better mechanic than I once was!

After digging through some forums, a few people mentioned that I may want to check my cabin air filter. It's a small filter, usually hidden behind your glove compartment, that cleans the air coming into your car from your A/C unit. I pulled out my car manual, found the filter, pulled it out and this is what I saw:

 This, my friends, is at least 5 years of gross (as long as I've owned the car). I know that I have never replaced this thing, nor has any mechanic or dealership I've ever taken it to. I almost puked after seeing all the grime, bugs and debris caked on this filter. My compressor was working so hard I think I broke it because I never replaced this thing.  

You can bet I immediately got a new one. The results were almost instant, my rattle was gone and my car smelled fresher than I remember. 

I know this isn't a typical ManMade post, but I felt like it was a friendly PSA to check your cabin filter. Get a fresh filter from your local parts store and follow the instructions in your vehicle manual for cabin filter replacement (it's probably behind your glove box). While you're at it, pick up a new air freshener! 

The 1950's and 1960's were the golden age of auto design at a time when Americans identified more than ever with the cars they drove. Auto designers encapsulated the spirit of American adventure at a time when America was dreaming intently and looking forward to the future, but most of their designs were never released to the public. Until now...   

This trailer for a new documentary from the PBS Newshour entitled, American Dreaming, explores the question of what is high art and what is merely a blueprint through a series of interviews with the lucky artists who were able to sneak out some of their designs from the car companies bent on destroying their sketches for fear they would fall into the clutches of a rival company. It also looks like an excellent meditation on aging artists and the life of someone who dedicates their life to the pursuit of quality and imagination.

You know those random lengths of leftover hardwood stock and plywood that you collect project after project, never knowing what you'll do with them, but knowing they're too great to get rid of.

You should turn 'em into a table.    

Joshua Rhodes assembled this quick and easy dining table for six as part of a Habitat for Humanity house giveaway project. He started with a basic poplar and underlay plywood for the structure, then added the patchwork-style wooden top using scraps, and then wrapped a poplar frame around the assembly to hide the edges. 

It's an inexpensive solution to the dining table issue, allowing you to get a lot of seating space and style from some relatively inexpensive materials. Check out the full how-to:  

DIY Six Seat Dining Room Table[ABeautifulMess.com]

During spring time, pine, fir, and other evergreen trees grow by producing new tips at the end of each branch. The new growth is a lighter, vibrant green, and you can (and should) eat it. The tips have a wonderful citrus-y, woodsy flavor that tastes awesome in all kinds of sautes, seafood, and roasted dishes. But the easiest way to preserve their flavor is steep them gently in a syrup, which will last in your fridge for weeks. 

To gather the tips, look for the light-colored new shoots on established trees. You want the ones that are less than an inch long and very soft. Taste them to make sure they're still fresh enough - older ones will taste too resinous, like cleaning supplies. They should have a pronounced but enjoyable citrus peel flavor, similar to a hoppy beer. 

These are from a Douglas Fir, and the color difference is obvious. Pick from around the tree in multiple places so you don't stunt the growth of the tree. If the tips taste too astringent and unpleasant, head to a higher elevation if you can. There can be many weeks worth of difference between growth, and you can pick these well into July. 

Once you've foraged your tips, bring them home and make the syrup immediately to get the most flavor possible. It only takes five minutes to assemble, so you can mix things up even after a long day hiking. 

1. Gather you fir, pine, or spruce tips. You might try hemlock or cedar, but they have a much more intense flavor. Taste before harvesting. 

2. The magic ratio here is simple: equal parts tips, sugar, and water. Here, I used 1 cup of each. You can try a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water, which will make the syrup last longer in the fridge, but the final product will end up twice as sweet for the same amount of evergreen flavor. Your choice.

3. Bring the sugar and water to a boil, then turn off the heat. Stir in the pine or fir tips.

4. Cover the pot and let it steep at room temperature overnight, or for at least 8 hours. 

5. Strain the syrup to remove the needles and store in a jar or bottle.

6. Mix it up, and enjoy!

To use the syrup, try mixing it with club soda, or in one of these recipes:

Coniferous Collins

• 1 oz. spruce or fir syrup
• 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 2 oz. London dry gin
• Club soda

Stir the first three ingredients together in a tall glass. Fill the glass with ice, and top with club soda. 

The Lumberland (pictured at top)

• 2 oz. rye or bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz. pine, spruce, or fir syrup
• 5 dashes orange bitters
• 2 pieces lemon peel

Muddle one piece lemon piece in a glass, and add syrup, bitters, and whiskey. Top with ice, then twist final lemon peel over the glass and rub along the outside rim and garnish.

Enjoy!

Step up your next backyard barbecue with these amazing yard games. I totally flipped out when I saw all these ideas! I didn't even think of making giant wooden dice to play Yatzee or whipping up a bunch of dominoes to play a huge game of crows foot!

LemonThistle.com has gathered 5 really unique lawn games, including Yatzee, dominoes, scrabble, cornhole and the ever popular giant Jenga set (I love the various stains they used, by the way).

Get the scoop, including all the directions over at Lemonthistle.com. It's broken into two posts as follows: Jenga/Yatzee/Dominoes and Scrabble/Cornhole.

Sure, you could go for burgers and dogs this holiday weekend, grilling to order like many a man on Memorial Day before you.

Or you could eat one of these.   First We Feast offers this awesome guide to barbecue at home, featuring the surefire advice of Mable's Smokehouse pitmaster Jeff Lutonsky.

It notes, 

Besides tons of flavor and good bang for your buck, slow-cooked meat offers a very low failure rate. The built-in fat content that ripples through the muscle melts as it renders, essentially basting the meat on its own accord, says Jeff Lutonsky, the Oklahoma transplant who’s pitmaster at Brooklyn’s Mable’s Smokehouse.

As a result, he says, “pulled pork is really hard to mess up.”

By that logic, all slow-cooked pork butt is pretty damn good, especially in sandwich form. But we think we’ve found a particularly sure-fire formula. Whether or not you decide to break out the coals and wood chips, always make sure to turn the heat real low—you can tell your friends and family the wait’ll be well worth it.

Have a great three-day weekend, and go forth and barbecue, friends. 

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO MAKING PULLED PORK SANDWICHES AT HOME[FirstWeFeast.com]

Elora Hardy grew up in the world of imaginative actualization, and when her architect parents built a home off of the "fairy mushroom house" drawn by their nine-year-old daughter, Hardy didn't realize that it was unusual. Now a innovative architect herself, Hardy is building beautiful and immersive living spaces most people couldn't dream up, out of bamboo with Bali locals in a desire to increase infrastructure with sustainable resources.   

Bamboo has the tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete, and since its hollow, it can still be carried by just a few people. In addition to this breathtaking six-story house, Hardy's team has built restaurants, schools, bridges, and entirely out of local resources. I highly recommend taking the short trip through her design process in this 10 minute TED talk. 

Presented by Apartments.com

When looking for a new apartment, it's hard not to notice the improvements (on large and small scale) needed prior to moving in. While your landlord may be taking care of new carpeting, cleaning the central air vents, and fresh paint on the walls, there may be some additional improvements on your list that you can take care of on your own. Here are five quick improvements you can check off your list before the big move.  

1) Slap on Those Switch Plates

With no furniture in your new apartment, it’s way easier to spot any and all inconsistencies around electrical outlets.  

Take photos of the sockets and outlets that are missing switch plates so when you’re at the hardware store you have a visual reference for finding the right combination. If you’re looking to splurge, or find a stylized switch plate design that completes the whole apartment, keep a running tally of how many in that type of switch plate you need.

2) Dress the Windows

Scout the apartment prior to moving in to see what windows are in need of blinds, drapes, or curtains, and how many windows are already dressed. Then, make the executive decision on which rooms will get blinds and which ones will need curtain rods. Measure the windows and get them ready for blinds, drapes or curtain installation on your next visit.

3) Swap out the Faucets

Notice a leaky, outdated, corded faucet? Upgrade those tired kitchen or bathroom faucets before you move in. Don’t be so quick to hire a professional; installation is less than an hour is feasible, see how here.

4) Do a Deep, Deep Clean 

This is your best chance, with no furniture or boxes, to really get into nooks and crannies for a deep cleaning. Wipe down ceiling fan blades, vacuum air conditioner filters, and run an old toothbrush in the space between where the floor meets wall. Let grout cleaner sit between tiles in the bathroom or kitchen before scrubbing clean. Wash windows inside and if you can, outside. Secure a towel to the end of a broom and sweep down ceilings – you’d be amazed at the dust and cobwebs that collect up there!

5) Add a Splash of Color

Are you starring down stark white walls, or worse – a bad accent paint job? Maybe the statement “pop” of color in the living room worked for the last owners, but clashes with your décor aesthetic. Work with your landlord to see if repainting with a unique color of your choice is an option. If so, make sure your desired accent wall is clearly marked before the paint crew arrives so there’s no confusion.  

Next, head to Apartments.com and start envisioning these 1-hour improvements when searching for your next apartment. You’ll save a lot of time by taking care of these simple updates prior to the big move. Less furniture and boxes make for easier improving!

The rectangular, hinged-top Altoids tin has been an inspiration for DIYers and makers since...well, probably since Altoids hit the shelves.

The updated and sleeker round Altoid Sours tin has a removable lid, which allows for a whole heap of clever reuses...such as an ash catcher for this tabletop barbecue grill.

Instructabler vmspionage says, "This [grill] is powered by a standard-sized charcoal briquette and is capable of cooking a full-size hot dog (cut down to size) or smaller hamburger patties with ease."

That's a pretty efficient use of fuel. Works great for all those single s'more cravings. (Other people get those, right?)

Now, who has suggestions for how to light a single chunk of charcoal?

Get the full how-to at Instructables: Altoids Sours BBQ Grill

As spring comes around, it's time to get the grill dusted off and fired up. Here are 3 grilling recipes to really welcome in the season. These easy meals are a great way to stay close to the conversation without having to babysit the food.  

1. Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp

These skewers soak in a marinade for about 30 minutes and cook in only a few minutes over the flames. Shrimp skewers are such a popular meal around our house, we generally double the recipe and still never have leftovers. Pair this up with rice and grilled asparagus for a great meal with very little prep so you can get back to entertaining fast.

2. Lemon Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Minted Goat Cheese Yogurt

If you think the name is a mouthful, imagine the flavors. This meal takes plenty of prep, but the mixed explosion of taste makes up for the effort. Make it ahead of time and the final cooking steps are fast and easy, or plan it out as a group event and have everyone make their own skewers full of delicious goodness to throw on the flame themselves. Pair the hearty flavor up with a grilled summer corn and quinoa salad for a satisfying meal on the patio.

3. Quinoa Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

For the veggie lovers who come to hang out, throwing on a huge portobella mushroom is a great way to keep them part of the grilling group without stooping as low as the salted, lumpy "veggie burger". The meat of the portobella has a satisfying texture, creamy taste, and is robust enough to hold it's own on the grill. Stuff it full of quinoa, rice, or whatever is made up for the side with a nice topping of Parmesan and it may be the meal everyone is trying to grab for their own plate.  Pair it up with a clean grilled sweet potato for a sweet side that's bound to make an impression.

Now get on the phone and invite a few friends over to test out these great spring recipes and officially welcome in the spring season.

This time of year, I almost always find myself looking for a reason to drive.  There's something exceptional about the spring foliage, misty weather, and changing of the seasons. I like to keep a simple bag of gear packed up in case my wanderings turn into an overnight trek.   

1. Polarized Sunglasses

Having a set of polarized sunglasses makes the road easier to see, and the fall colors really pop. Polarized glasses take the edge off of glare, and also block out the UV rays. This means by the end of a long day, my eyes feel less tired and strained. The polarization seems to shed a layer off the surface of water, so it becomes more detailed and fish don’t tend to blend in. The reason I love my Switch lenses is twofold, first they are exceptionally clear, light, and look good. Second, they have magnetic interchangeable lenses that are easy to swap out for different light conditions. I have a set of blue polarized and some low-light amber lenses to match the weather.

 2. A Nice Warm Blanket

This time of year is always about warm days and cool nights. Having a great blanket is always a good idea. A Roadside picnic, impromptu bonfire, or just getting close while watching the sunset is always a bit easier under a warm blanket. Stay away from woven blankets since they tend to pick up stickers and grass more so than a solid fabric.

3. Messenger Bag

My STM messenger bag is one of my favorite weekend bags, it’s big enough for the essentials with a few tech pockets but still has the classic brushed poly fabric that feels more classic than trendy. It’s a great carry-on piece with space for a laptop and magazines as well.

4. Vintage Chrome Flask

Keeping a little nip close at hand generally seems like a good idea. Finding a quality spirit while on the road is a hassle, so bringing some along for a nightcap avoids the need to suffer through a thimble of rotgut. My flask has been around since it was legal to fill it so the dents, scratches, and general character really hold a lot of memories for me. Taking it along on any adventure I'm on is just second nature.

 5. Merino Wool Layer

I’m a fan of merino wool. It’s soft, durable, and provides some good insulation without bulking up too much. The benefit of the merino wool is the finer size of the materials, resulting in a much finer weave, with all the benefits of traditional wool. Look for some great shirts at Smartwool, Ibex, and Woolx.

 6. Comfortable Shoes

I've been wearing Sanuk shoes for a few years now and I have become a fan of the style, and lightweight materials. They are the most comfortable travel shoes I own. The canvas exterior is durable enough to hold up to my abuse, and I almost forget I’m wearing them within minutes of slipping them on.

 7. Personal Journal

Don’t forget to bring along something to gather those thoughts. One of my favorite parts of taking a drive is the fact that I have time to gather my thoughts. The very activity compels you to think, plan, and dream. So it’s no wonder that what I would call my most essential tool I have my journal.  A few years ago I was given the gift of a very nice Moleskine journal, and it’s been close to me ever since (well, it’s been filled by now, but the new one has been).

So take a few minutes to gather up your own essential kit, and let me know what it looks like. Then start planning a last minute escape to enjoy some of those amazing places close to your home.

 8. Clothes and the Rest - You know what you wear. Just grab enough for a few days, and don't overthink it. We recommend wool socks here, which wick moisture and dry quickly, and an extra pair is highly recommended. Grab a few shirts, a single pair of pants, and get out there.

Oh, and throwing in a microfiber pack towel is never a bad idea. Especially in summer. 

In case your A/C bill hasn't told you yet, it's summer time. Well, at least in the Northern Hemisphere. And summer is the season of sunscreen and short sleeves and socks as little as possible, and...to wear sunglasses. Unfortunately, many men consider sunglasses to be more fashion accessories, and therefore optional, or even frivolous. But there are actually several health benefits to wearing sunglasses, particularly polarized lenses, when spending a day outside: they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and blue light, as well as protecting the skin around your eyes and preventing wrinkles and "crow's feet." Furthermore, they allow you to see better when outside, helping you to better operate a car, motorcycle, bicycle, boat, lawnmower, backhoe, grill, etc.

So, we at ManMade think they're an essential, and while we're advocates for stepping up from the $3.99 pair from the gas station, we don't think you've got to drop a whole week's worth of pay, either. So - five classic, masculine pairs of sunglasses, all under $100. Enjoy the sunshine!    

#1) Rayban Wayfarer II: RB 2132 What you think of when you think of "sunglasses." Their design in 1956 was a major break with the metal eyeglass-inspired designs of the past, and their radical new shape became a "a mid-century classic to rival Eames chairs and Cadillac tail fins."

If you go to the fancy store at the mall, they'll ask between $175 and $300 for a pair, but you can find them online for under $100. You'll likely want the redesigned RB 2132 model, from 2001, which are slightly smaller and sit a little less angled on the face. Most men will want the 55-18-145mm size: you can find them right now at for only $76.50, including free shipping, from Amazon.

#2) American Optics Square Frame Avaiators The other thing you think of when thinking "sunglasses." Originally designed for actual aviators in the military and commercial airlines, their very dark lenses typically let in only 20%. These are the sunglasses you've seen on The Beatles in the 60s, Queen and Led Zepplin in the 70s, the entire cast of Top Gun in the 80s, every action star in the 90s, and the Don Draper-style 1960s comeback of the late 00s. Pick them up at Amazon or any Army/Navy surplus store for only $50.

#3) Warby Parker Jasper Online goodniks Warby Parker, known for their willingness to ship you five pairs to try on for free and for their Toms-alike "buy a pair, give a pair" philosophy also do polarized sunglasses, and they do them well. They have a few Wayfarer alike Buddy Holly/Elvis Costello glasses, but our pick is the warmer, rounder Toppers. There smaller size (48mm) would look great on those will thinner or shorter faces, and there molded shapes balance the casual/dress look perfectly, going equally well with jeans or a suit. You can also try/buy Warby Parkers in many brick-and-mortar shops these days, so there's no reason not to give philanthropy a shot. $95.00 at WarbyParker.com, including polarized lenses.

#4) Jamison Classic Retro Sunglasses A lighter, dressier pair to add once you've chosen either a Wayfarer or Aviator style for everyday wear. The warm brown is a good alternative to sleek black, and we appreciate the vintage-styling without looking overtly hip. $80 from Fossil.

#5) Banana Republic Corbin A longer, more rectagular option for a more contemporary urban look. These are more for the intentional sunglass wearer who's willing to say, "Hey! Check it out. I'm wearing intentional sunglasses," but they're neither loud nor overly "designed." Definitely more for dressing up than catching a fish, but we wouldn't fault you for wearing them then either. If it works, it works. And they seem like they do. $78.00 at Banana Republic.

[Thanks to Jérôme Coppée for the top image. Licensed under Creative Commons]
This ManMade post was original published in May 2012.
 

The kitchen is the center of the home. It's arguably the most important room in the house, and, for many of us, it's the room that gets the most use. Unfortunately, my kitchen was kind of a bummer. Like the weird roommate you got stuck with your freshman year of college - you know, the one who never left the room and sort of started to blend into the beige cinderblock walls after awhile - that was my kitchen. 

So, after years of living with the basic and boring, I decided I'd had enough. So, I set out to upgrade the room with new Frigidaire Professional appliances and a bunch of DIY projects and repairs to transform it into something dramatically different.

After several busy weeks of work, I'm thrilled to share the final reveal with you today. Here we go! (To catch up on everything we did, check out the first two posts: the planning, and the process)

The great thing about the appliance upgrade was that it only involved delivery and a simple switch-out. The new appliances took up the same footprint as the old ones, so once that Lowe's truck showed up, it was a fast transformation to the new, shiny Frigidaire Professional collection. 

This project was interesting, because once we started upgrading, it materialized quickly. Painting the cabinetry consumed the bulk of our time, but the other DIY projects happened quickly and made a substantial impact on the look and feel of the room.

The skylight was an easy and impressive improvement, and brought tons of natural light into the space.

A simple faucet switch-out made the whole sink look new.

 With the painted cabinets installed, we were so excited to see the new stainless steel show up. Lowe's delivered everything to the front door, and within a few hours it was set up and we were cooking our first meal.

The difference professional-quality appliances make on both ease of cooking and the tasty results is hard to describe; cooking with them was, seriously and honestly, a completely different experience. Not only was it simpler to get great results, but the ease of use and cleanup made dinnertime fun again in our house (and all the appliances have a Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel feature that resists fingerprints and makes them really easy to clean).

The most impressive upgrades were the stove and refrigerator. The stove replaced a glass-top electric range and the switch to gas was a major change. Pans heat up fast and evenly, and the control is exceptional. The Frigidaire Professional range has great burners, cleanly laid out controls,  heavy-duty control knobs, and it just feels like high quality tool. 

The refrigerator has so much storage, adjustable shelves, and makes a substantial amount of ice quickly, which is perfect for when guests come over. The two large ice makers filled up over the course of a day, and kept up with demand easily.

The new microwave hood added a feature we didn’t know we needed until it came along: a convection oven mode. This allows the microwave to become a small electric convection oven that works well for small jobs that don’t justify heating up the large gas oven. We cooked sweet potatoes and chocolate chip cookies in it the first night and both turned out perfectly in about the same amount of time as the larger oven. This is a great feature to use as a warming area while prepping a meal for guests to keep everything an even temperature.

The soft LED lights on all the appliances are a huge upgrade from the old yellow bulbs, and even though it may seem like a small change, the crisp white glow makes everything easier to see. Another great feature we didn’t expect were the audio alerts on the appliances. No more obnoxious timer noises, now there are soft beeps that do the trick just fine, and without the rancorous 80s electric blams.

The dishwasher upgrades we most enjoy are the clean front with hidden top touch buttons, adjustable racks, and 30 minute quick cycle.

Full Product List:

• Refrigerator -  Frigidaire Professional® French Door Bottom Mount Refrigerator with Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel 
• Range: Frigidaire Professional® Freestanding Back Control Range with convection and temperature probe
• Microwave: Frigidaire Professional® Over-The-Range Microwave 
• Dishwasher: Frigidaire Professional® Dishwasher
• Cabinet Hardware: allen + roth pewter cabinet pulls
• Paint: HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams paint and primer (Snowbound SW 7004 & Web Gray SW 7075)
  
• Backsplash Tile: American Olean Starting Line White Subway Tile
• Faucet: Giagni Fresco Stainless 1-Handle Pull-Down Faucet
• Skylight: VELUX Sun Tunnel

This project was a big undertaking, but we totally love it. It’s brighter, more functional, and when we're in there, it just feels like a great kitchen should feel. It’s such a great space where family gathers, friends are fed, and life is lived. And, that's what a kitchen is all about. 

This post was sponsored by Frigidaire, but all opinions are mine alone. Thanks for supporting the brands that support ManMade!

We all have a bit of extra concrete left over in the bag after a project. Why not make it into something useful and interesting for your bookcase. Take a look at how to make these great concrete bookends with just a few scraps of cardboard.Finding interesting pieces to set up on my shelves is a constant chore. Trying hard to balance out stylish with useful and avoiding clutter takes work, and this simple yet useful project is a perfect example of something I'd like to have on my bookshelf.

The project comes from Tim and Mary via EHow and their steps are easy to follow with enough detail to walk quickly from raw materials to a finished product.

So take a look at their project steps and then take a few hours to make your very own.

Mac & Cheese Jalapeños Poppers. Mac & Cheese Meatballs. Deep Fried Mac & Cheese. One-Pan Taco Mac & Cheese. Mac & Cheese Waffles. Mac & Cheese Burritos. Mac & Cheese Sushi. I honestly don't know what else to say.   Mac & Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms. Mac & Cheese with Caramelized Onions. Vegan Mac & Cheese.

Oh and then there's this monstrous thing...… the Bacon Weave Mac & Cheese Taco.

 So yeah, here are all the recipes from DIYready.com.

On the side, my wife and I sell some of our handiwork at craft fairs, barn sales and vintage markets. When we got started, we had mostly folding plastic tables and white table cloths. And as you know, nothing, except maybe a grilled hot dog on a paper plate on the Fourth of July, looks its best on a folding plastic table and white table cloth.

I was noticing that a lot of the vendors carted in giant farm tables and fixtures to hold all their products, but real farm tables are heavy and I don't even have a truck to carry all of that! So, I got to thinking how could I have the same look and feel of a farmhouse while also being portable. This weekend I tried out an idea and it worked out really well for what we need and I thought I'd share it with you.

I can see this table being used as a portable bar or dinner table for an outdoor party. 

What you'll need:

1. Reclaimed flooring. You can also call your local hardwood flooring store and ask for discontinued boxes for a bargain. 
2. 4 Medium-sized ornamental gate hinges
3. 4 Spun legs. I bought mine at a big-box hardware store and removed the pre-installed leg screws.
4. A pocket hole drilling kit and screws
5. Wood Glue
6. Nail pullers—if your flooring still has nails in it.

One side of your table will have the groove and one will have the tongue, so we need to cut the tongue off, so lets start by removing that at the table saw.

Next, we'll start gluing up the pieces. I need my table to be about 48" long, so I dug through my pile for that length. To glue this table up properly, you can apply one of two ways. 1) you fill the groove joint with glue and hammer in the tongue joint. 2) coat the tongue joint on both sides of the tongue and hammer on the groove. 

If you're a slow gluer like me, you may have to clamp up each board as you go, otherwise the glue will start to dry on you and your joints wont be so tight. It's better to take your time than rush through it. Since this piece isn't fine woodworking, I'm not too worried about perfect.

Once you've glued up all of the boards you need, let it dry for a few hours. Then, it's time to cut the length to size. 

I set up a cross cut by clamping a long level and running my circular saw across. Do this for both sides.

Now it's ready for a skirt! I made one with more strips of flooring with the tongue removed. Measured two long pieces and two short pieces to make the rectangle that goes underneath the table. I wanted to make sure that every board was supported since this table will be on the road, so the skirt is wider in the pictures that a typical table skirt is. 

With your pocket hole jig, make holes to create 4 butt joints as well as holes to mount the skirt to the table.

Let's bring it in for a landing! I picked these up at the hardware store. Start by setting the legs on the table where you want them to land. Since this table is really short compared to most, I had to stager the width of the legs so they will fold flush to the table. When unfolded, you really can't tell too much.

One at a time, pick up each leg and set it flush against the skirt wall. Then, set one of the hinges up against the leg on the center line (Unlike in the picture, don't worry, I centered it before I screwed it in.).

There it is, Now all it needs is a coat of paint on the legs and skirt then it's ready for our next market!

I would imagine the larger the table you make and the larger the legs, the sturdier it will be. Once this table was fully set up on level ground I had pretty minimal wobbling. I think there are some improvements that could be made on that aspect. I'm going to research some folding table parts to see if I can get a hold of the folding arms that you pop into place to really add stability to each leg. I'll report back on my findings!

Happy building!

During the last few weeks, I've been hard at work remodeling our kitchen with some simple DIY upgrades, and brand new pro-grade appliances from Frigidaire Professional. Now that I've worked up an appetite, my wife and I put our heads together and came up with two delicious recipes to test out on our new equipment. Read on for the full recipes, and some palette pleasing food photos.

Here's our new kitchen (can you see why we were excited to cook something in it?):

(Read more about the remodel here, here, and the full reveal here).

I just can't emphasize enough how much this new, bright, functional space is inspiring us to get into the kitchen. The new Frigidaire Professional appliances are a pleasure to use (learn more about this line of pro-grade appliances here).

Ok, now on to the recipes!

Pan Seared Rib-Eye Steak with Wasabi Cream Sauce

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes (plus 5 minute resting)

This pan-seared steak has a crisp, peppered outer layer with a tender, juicy center. Topped with a creamy wasabi lime sauce, it’s equal parts tasty and memorable. If you measure out the ingredients a day before, it just takes a few minutes behind the stove to make a meal worth sharing with your friends.

Wasabi Lime Sauce

½ Cup Sour Cream

½ Avocado

3 Tbsp. Cilantro

4 Tbsp. Lime Juice (about 2 limes)

½ tsp. Salt

1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper

1 ½ tsp. Wasabi Paste

Pepper to Taste

Combine all ingredients in a blender (we're using this one). Blend on high until smooth and creamy.  If the sauce is too thick, add additional lime juice and scrape down the sides to get it all fully mixed. Adding additional avocado will thicken the sauce. Keep in mind, the avocado will brown within a day of preparation, so make it fresh for best taste and presentation.

Pan-Seared Steak

1 tsp. Coarse Himalayan Salt

½ tsp. Coarse Black Pepper

3-4 Cloves Garlic

2 tsp. Butter

Rib-Eye Steaks (about 12oz per person)

A bit about pan-searing steak – The key to a great steak on the stove is a blistering hot pan and a bit of preparation. Our new range (this one) has a 18,000 BTU power burner, so it gets really hot, really fast. I like to rinse and dry the steaks fresh out of the refrigerator and then I let them warm to room temperature on the counter for about 30 minutes. I dust the surfaces with coarse pepper, but don’t put any oil or salt on the meat as it sits on the counter. 

Add a thin layer of salt to the cast iron pan and heat up until it just begins to smoke. Add pepper and steak in the pan. The steak should sear within about 30 seconds, then can be flipped to sear the opposite side. Flip 3-4 times per side, once every 30 seconds. Crush the cloves of garlic with your palm and then throw them whole into the pan with the butter. This will cause the pan to smoke, and gives the crust a nice charred flavor (and it looks incredible). When the meat is rare (see here for the FDA's guide on safe cooking temps for meat) remove and wrap in foil to rest for about 5 minutes. We used our new convection microwave oven set to about 150 degrees to keep the steaks warm while resting. 

We steamed some green beens in our Frigidaire Professional Rice Cooker (it comes with a steaming basket accessory), and then baked some sweet potatoes in our new microwave (using the convection feature) to go along with the spicy, wasabi steak.

Creamy Artichoke Chicken

This bubbling creamy chicken has a great chunky texture and looks amazing fresh out of the oven. Make the topping before the party and 15 minutes is all it takes to go from appetizers to an incredible main dish.

Creamy Artichoke Sauce

1 Cup Artichoke Hearts (chopped)

1/3 Cup Mayonnaise

1 Zest of a Lemon

½ Juice of a lemon

½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

4 Cloves Garlic

1 Tbsp. fresh Parsley

½ tsp. Crushed Red Peppers

½ tsp. fresh Rosemary minced

Salt & Pepper to taste

3 Tbsp. Parmesan for topping

 Rosemary Chicken

4 Chicken Breasts

1 Cup Flour

2 tsp. fresh minced Rosemary

Salt & Pepper to taste

Prepare Chicken

Butterfly each chicken breast, then slice even lines across the surface to open up for better tenderness. Pound out the breasts with a meat hammer to make each piece even. Season the chicken with a good layer of salt and pepper. Mix the flour and rosemary together in a large bowl or gallon-sized plastic bag, and toss the chicken to coat well.

Heat the skillet over medium heat (cast iron is my preferred method) and coat pan with about 2 tbsp. olive oil. Add chicken to the hot pan and cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown on each side.

Prepare Artichoke Cream Sauce

While chicken cooks, mix all topping ingredients (mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, parmesan, garlic,  parsley, red peppers, rosemary) together until smooth in the blender. Chop up the hearts into small chunks and combine well in a bowl. Set aside.

Combine

Turn on the oven to broil and let it heat up. While the oven is warming up, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and spoon a thick layer of sauce over the meat. Add the grated parmesan cheese over the top and put it into the oven. Broiling takes about 2-5 minutes; it's ready when the tops are browned and bubbling. I used the PowerPlus Temperature Probe feature on the range to set and monitor the temperature and ensure the chicken was cooked through.

If you have a chance to try out these recipes, let me know how they work out for you! Or if you have a suggestion for how to improve them, let me know in the comments!

This post was sponsored by Frigidaire, but all opinions are mine alone. Thanks for supporting the brands that support ManMade.

Each week in 2015, ManMade is sharing our picks for the essential tools we think every creative guy and DIYer needs. We've selected useful, long-lasting tools to help you accomplish a variety of projects, solve problems, and live a hands-on lifestyle that allows you to interact with and make the things you use every day.  

When is a drill not a drill? When it's a driver, used for securing hardware into material, rather than simply boring a hole into it. If you're anything like us, your cordless drill gets pressed into service much more often as a way to drive or remove fasteners than making holes with twist bits. And to get the most out of this versatile tool, you've gotta have the right bit for the job. Here's how to build a complete arsenal to allow you to take on any task.

Quick-Change Slotted and Phillips Head

Your standard screwdriver bits that make quick work of standard screwdriving tasks. Get a five pack in each size, and keep them on every tool and in every tool box and drawer you've got. 

For sizes, look for:

• Slotted #1, #2, #3
• Phillips/cross-slot #1, #2, #3

Unless you're messy with electronics and circuit boards or extra big jobs, your #2 Phillips will see the most action, so get a whole bunch of these and store them in the little bit-holders on your tools. It's also useful to be sure to get quick-change hex drivers, which are longer and have the little notch on the end. This allows you to insert it into a variety of tools, including traditional slip chucks, and the quick connect collets found on impact drivers, lightweight Li-Ion driver tools, etc. 

I also really like having a set of long driver bits featuring 6" shanks. These allow you to remove, adjust, replace harder to reach hardware like you would with a standard screwdriver. $5 well spent to me. 

ManMade Recommended: 

• DEWALT DW2166 45-Piece Screwdriving Set

• DEWALT DW2115 #2 Phillips 2-Inch Power Bit (5-Pack)

• IIT 64370 6-Inch Power Driver Bit Set, 9-Piece

Hex Insert Bits or Allen Drivers

Turns your cordless drill or driver into a powered Allen wrench or hex key. Look for sets in both standard and metric sizes, either as standard 1" insert bits (designed to use in an adapter) or longer quick change bits.

• Standard: 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 1/4, 7/32, 3/16" 
• Metric: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 mm

You'll never assemble a piece of IKEA furniture without these again.

ManMade Recommended: 

• IRWIN Tools 1902388 Impact Performance Series Insert Bit Set, Assorted Hex, 1-Inch Length, 8-Pack
• Milwaukee 9-Piece Hex Drive Insert Bit
• DEWALT DW2166 45-Piece Screwdriving Set
• Neiko Pro 10280B Combination Hex Torx XZN Triple Square Impact Driver Socket Bit Set, 40-Piece

Hex Head Bolt + Nut Drivers

These feature standard 1/4" hex shanks attached to exterior hexagonal drivers, used for bolds, hex-head lag screws, etc. Basically, this turns your drill into a powered socket wrench, and these things are lovely. I recently used mine to drive large lag screws into walls studs to hang some heavy duty shelves designed for serious weight, and I didn't have drill a single pilot hole or rachet anything. 

They can also be used to drive nuts for mechanical operations. Good stuff.

         Sizes: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2"

Another way to go about this would be to get a 1/4" socket adapter for your drill and use your socket wrench set.

ManMade Recommended: 

• 5-piece Milwaukee Magnetic Nut Driver Set
• DEWALT DW2542IR 1/4-Inch Hex Shank to 3/8-Inch IMPACT READY Socket Adaptor
• TEKTON 2938 Quick-Change Power Nut Driver Bit Set with Detents, 14-Piece

Torx or Star Driver

This are the newest style driver heads, and they're awesome for high torque tools like impact drivers and modern Li Ion drills. Many outdoor screws feature Torx heads, and I find they're increasingly common on machine and power tool parts, which are factory assembled with high powered tools. For example, I recently changed the blades on my thickness planer, and the only way I could loosen the factory-tightened Torx screw without banging up my hand was with my right-angle driver and a Torx bit.

If you buy a box of decking screws, they'll likely throw in a free driver bit, but having a dedicated set of quick-change bits will save you when the need pops up. 

ManMade Recommended:

• Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Duty Drill and Drive Set (45-Piece)
  
• IRWIN Tools IMPACT Performance Series Double-Ended Screwdriver Power Bit, TORX, 2 3/8-inch length, 5-Piece Set 

So, what should you buy? 

I've assembled a collection of these bits over the years piece by piece. If I were starting over:

1. I'd probably buy one of these collections designed for use in impact drivers.

• DEWALT DWA2T40IR IMPACT READY FlexTorq Screw Driving Set, 40-Piece
• Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Duty Drill and Drive Set (45-Piece)

Presumably, the impact driver part means they're designed from "impact strength" steel intended for high torque and hammering action. I have no idea if that's actually true, but it seems worth a dollar or two more to me. 

2. I'd supplement that with a longer slotted and Phillips driver set for tough to reach tasks: 

• IIT 64370 6-Inch Power Driver Bit Set, 9-Piece

3. I'd get a dedicated hex nut driver set in common sizes:

• TEKTON 2938 Quick-Change Power Nut Driver Bit Set

4. And I'd get a packet of 2" quick change #2 and #3 Phillips and slotted bits to store on my drill and drivers bit-keepers: 

• DEWALT DW2115 #2 Phillips 2-Inch Power Bit (5-Pack) and equivalent

Have fun. Go make stuff.

Looking to get away from the limelight of his success in 1940, Ernest Hemingway sought out this private home in Havana and purchased it for $12,500. The quiet he experienced there helped serve as the inspiration for this Pulitzer-Prize winning novel The Old Man and The Sea and is worth taking a tour through by photo.   I've always been interested in how our environmental aesthetics shape the ways we think and act, and while I'm sure Hemingway could've written his landmark fiction in a cave, I think it's fascinating to see what he woke up to every morning and where he did his work. Interestingly enough, when Cuba seized all American property in the 60's, Hemingway's house was left untouched, so this is pretty much exactly how it looked. 

Check out the full tour at Airows.

Maintaining your shop tools starts with keeping those blades sharp and well lubricated. Here's a quick overview on how to tune up your cutting edges.   A few times a year, I take a break from working in my shop and spend a few hours working on it. After oiling up the various moving parts and sucking a huge amount of sawdust from the corners I turn my attention to the most important surfaces in my shop - my cutting edges. Saw blades are under-appreciated and generally neglected until they're smoking through that huge piece of hardwood or chipping out an expensive plywood panel. After reading a few forum posts recently, I picked up a clean non-toxic blade and bit cleaner and lubricant that really brought my blades back from their sap-laden state.

1. CMT Formula 2050 Blade and Bit Cleaner $14.50

2. Bostik Bladecote (formerly Dricote) $18.50

3. Bostik Glidecote (formerly Topcote) $18.50

The non-toxic cleaner is biodegradable and there are no fumes to suffer through so using it is much better on the lungs compared to other products on the market. The lubricant adds a protective layer that keeps the blade sharp longer and helps it to cut through hard wood a bit easier. Here are the steps to get those blades from grimy to gleaming.

1. First, keep in mind that carbide edges are brittle and break off easily, they're also very sharp so handle very carefully. Gloves should be worn to keep your hands protected.

2. Remove all blades and carefully check blade edges for sharpness. Check for any chips or broken teeth. While a few small nicks won't ruin a cut, anything more than minor wear could require a fresh sharpening.

3. In a small plastic bin, spray down both sides of the blade and let soak for a few minutes. After a brief soak, scrub the blade edges where pitch is build up with a nylon brush. Don't use wire which can damage the edges.

4. Once the blades are well scrubbed, I like to let them soak in warm water to free up any left-over residue. Directions on the blade cleaner say that it doesn't need to be rinsed off, but since I'm adding a layer of protective lubricant onto the blade I wipe them clean to prepare for the final spray-down.

5. With the blades fully rinsed and dry, spray on the lubricant and re-install into your tools for a few more months of clean cutting.

I also picked up Bostik's Glide Coat for my tool surfaces and what a difference it makes. After a few solid coats, materials slide over the table like they're on ball bearings. To upgrade your wood-cutting experience, it's a simple process for great results.

Note: This isn't a sponsored post, I was just impressed with the process and thought you might be as well. Now get out there and polish up your shop so you can go back to making sawdust.

Product List:

1. CMT Formula 2050 Blade and Bit Cleaner $14.50

2. Bostik Bladecote (formerly Dricote) $18.50

3. Bostik Glidecote (formerly Topcote) $18.50