What keeps women from becoming DIY Divas?  Many ladies of the home handle everything from sack lunches to laundry; why not install a new ceiling fan this weekend?  Many of us like to let the men enjoy their tool time, but why shouldn’t we have some projects to do too?  Surely if your home is like mine ladies, there are plenty of tasks on the “Honey Do list” to go around!

Yet we all know running the home is a full-time job in itself, and many of us do have other jobs.  By the end of soccer practice and casserole creations, we find ourselves drained.  We’d rather spend our 3 day weekend in front of the television or soaking up the sun.  Time and energy will probably remain the biggest reasons why women turn down the DIY tasks.  We need to channel that negative energy and put it to some good use!  Don’t you know that working on your home will ease stress?

Sure, think about it ladies!  If you’re stressed to the max, head to the garage.  Start sanding away at the old kitchen table you’ve been meaning to refinish!  You’ll feel better and be half way done completing the table! 

Do the kids keep you from finishing all those DIY jobs you’ve been planning since they were born?  Life happens, but there’s no excuse once your kids can entertain themselves, and think of it as an extra set of hands if you need them.  DIY jobs don’t mean do it yourself….all alone.  Grab your daughter and teach her the importance of staining that kitchen table with smooth, even strokes.  You’ll enjoy the bonding time and the finished product will have a nice back story.  You’re making memories!

Another awesome way I use my DIY weekends to my advantage is dinner.  When I’ve got wood putty underneath my fingers and my hands ache from sanding, I know I can always get my favorite Chinese takeout, which takes me off the hook for cooking! 

You’ll realize that many of the jobs you’ve been putting off on because of the whole lazy factor aren’t as time consuming as you thought.  If you check the night before a project to make sure you’ve got all your materials, you can wake up the next morning without the inconvenience of running to the store. If you’re an early riser on your day off, you’ll be done by dinner.  Of course, not all projects are simple one day jobs.  But you’ll be surprised what you can do in one day.  I’ve installed a few major appliances, hung a few pieces of dry wall and did some spackle work, changed out faucets, replaced light fixtures, painted entire rooms and ripped up old carpet and replaced it with vinyl tile (by the way, vinyl sticky tile is my secret weapon to any old floor that needs a face lift for under a $1 a square).

 We don’t want to do these jobs because it just seems so much easier to not do them.  But, as with everything in life, if you want it done…you’ve got to Do It Yourself!