apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

We've lived with a couple bare bulbs for too long. Now that we've discovered these easy-as-pie clip-on ceiling shades, that cold fact might change. Jump down for color options and the link...

Oh, the litter box...those of us with feline pals know that it's a small price to pay for kitten kisses, but that doesn't make it any less of a hassle. The other day at the store, we noticed a new (to us anyway) type of litter: Tidy Cats for Small Spaces. What makes this litter so special?

We can't believe someone didn't think of this sooner! Dutch Boy (paint magnate) has teamed with Arm & Hammer (deodorizing extraordinaire) to come up with Refresh, a wall paint that actually absorbs odors.

Jump down to see how it works or, better yet, to give your personal review...

Name: Jessica, AT Editor
Location: Tobacco Caye, Belize
Link: Tobacco Caye Lodge
Description:I just returned from a week on Tobacco Caye, Belize. Life on this tiny island, located just south of Belize City, is uncomplicated. It's not the place to visit if you're looking to be pampered with spa treatments and five-star restaurants. But, if you're looking to return to a life before cell phones, not to mention some of greatest snorkeling/diving, this might be your place.

It took three planes, one taxi, and a very long ride in a speedboat to prove to us that the language of DIY is international. Jump down to see where we found this homemade hammock and how we think it's made...

What: Multiple examples of good - some basic, some elaborate - tile design
Where: Shops, restaurants, and facilities in Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Terminal D
When: Photos taken Thursday, August 14 at 12:30 pm
Why: We had a few hours to kill during our layover!

Magnetic genius! The Magwear Handyman's Helper is just the tool we need to tackle all our upcoming household projects. There's art to hang and baseboards to replace and a magnetic wristband is the perfect thing to keep us from losing our minds...as well as our screws.

Bonus: Aren't magnets also good for Carpal Tunnel...?

Many tasks are creatively inspired but certain things really beg for instructions. Yet being the stubborn DIYers that we are, our stupidest we don't need no stinkin' directions experience involved electricity...

What: Mosaic floor tile at Chicago Park District's Berger Park building
Where: Lake Front, North side, Chicago, IL
When: Photos taken Monday, June 30 at 8:30 pm
Why: The intricate pattern and detail (not to mention the sheer amount of time these floors must have taken to install).

We like this moving blanket from The Container Store for a few simple reasons: it's not expensive and it's made of recycled materials. Jump down to discover its mystery material and its small price tag...

Moving = stress. Here are some online tools to help you through it.

Just starting to look? Zillow gives you a fairly accurate estimate of what you should expect to pay to purchase in a specific area. The aerial mapped results make us feel rather cool and sneaky.

Here's a good (and green) idea. The under layer of Huffco Entrance Mats is recycled rubber from old tires bound for US landfills. The non-skid, dirt-trapping top layer is made from 100% walnut shells.

We love the inventiveness of the gritty nut surface but, this being an outdoor product, we're left with one question...

So let's say that you're moving out of or into a new home. Besides the worry and hassle of packing all your worldly possessions, there's also the fret of finishing up or starting anew with home projects. We're talking about painting, fixing leaky faucets, installing new lighting, or repairing that creaky step.

As you check off your To Do's, we wonder what's on that list. In terms of cost and necessity...

Who knew a garden hose could look so plush? Chase DeForest is a Denver-based sculptor who's buying more supplies at the garden shop than an art store.

Jump down for more baskets and other impressive hose creations...